New Orleans rejected for presidential debate

[funkybutt]

Source: Times Picayune, New Orleans

Commission says city is unable to host a major event

A national commission today rejected New Orleans' bid to host a 2008 presidential debate, deciding that the city was not sufficiently recovered from Hurricane Katrina to handle such an important event.

The commission's position contrasts with the NBA and the major college football conferences, which are holding their premier events in New Orleans early next year. The city will play host to the college football championship in January and the NBA All-Star game in February.

Anne Milling, founder of Women of the Storm, said she was informed of the debate commission's decision today by Paul Kirk, a Democrat and the co-chair of the bi-partisan group. Although the New Orleans debate was endorsed by seven presidential candidates, she said Kirk told her the commission did not believe the city was ready.

One of the sites selected was Oxford, Miss., which won despite not having the required hotel space. The other two presidential debate sites are Belmont University in Nashville and Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y. The vice-presidential debate will be at Washington University in St. Louis.


Read more: http://blog.nola.com/times-picayune/2007/11/new_orleans_rejected_for_presi.html

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This decision is a slap in the face to all of those working tirelessly to bring this city back. Who serves on this commission? I'd like to know how to get in touch with them.