Presidential pit stop?

Dole Institute could become campaign hot spot thanks to 'Contender' series

The Dole Institute of Politics wants to be a stop, but not a stump, for presidential hopefuls.

The institute has launched “Contenders,” a lecture series featuring politicos considering the nation’s highest office. It begins with a lecture later this month by U.S. Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., who recently announced his intentions to seek his party’s 2008 nomination if he decides by the end of this year that he can raise enough money and attract enough support.

“The idea is to make the Dole Institute a key stop for anybody thinking about seeking higher office,” Dole Institute Director Bill Lacy said.

Lacy said he doesn’t want the event to be a “rah-rah” campaign opportunity, but a chance for the politicians to discuss issues. “The hope is they will come and give a fairly serious policy address,” he said.

Democratic vice-presidential candidate John Edwards addresses a crowd in Lawrence on Aug. 8, 2004. Through its Contenders lecture series, the Dole Institute of Politics will try to attract presidential hopefuls in the coming years. Edwards is a possible candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008.

And it could be a venue to try out new ideas, said Jonathan Earle, the institute’s associate director.

There are no other hopefuls currently slated to speak. Lacy said the institute was sending invitations to others and hoped to secure other similar lectures.

He said the institute landed Biden’s visit because Steven Jacques, an institute fellow last spring, has connections with Biden’s office.

The afternoon lecture isn’t at the most opportune time, but Lacy said that at this point the institute was willing to be flexible with busy schedules.

One question is whether U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., who is considering a presidential bid, will come for a lecture.

Lacy said the institute would love to schedule Brownback, though it had not sent a formal invitation to him yet.

“Given his strength in Kansas, it may not be as attractive to him as it would to some others,” Lacy said.

Biden to speak

Delaware Sen. Joe Biden will speak at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Dole Institute of Politics. The event is free. Reservations are required. For reservations, call 864-4900 or e-mail: doleinstitute@ku.edu.