Presidential pit stop? / LJWorld.com

Archive for Wednesday, October 5, 2005

Dole Institute could become campaign hot spot thanks to ‘Contender’ series

October 5, 2005

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.

Photo by Mike Yoder

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.

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.

Discussion

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5 October 2005
at 10:45 a.m.

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kansaskev61 (Anonymous) says…

What, are the “formal” invitations only going to go to the liberal elite? Send an invitation to Brownback and let him decide whether he wants to speak or not. I'm glad that Mr. Lacy can speak for Sam. The series should really be called “Liberal Contenders”.
5 October 2005
at 11:02 a.m.

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princess (Anonymous) says…

Come on man. It is called the Dole Institute of Politics. Do you really have the audacity to call it a liberal institution?

Strawman.
5 October 2005
at 11:28 a.m.

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BunE (Anonymous) says…

Stupid Liberals, you are sooooo elitist what with you support of organized labor and concern for the poor! Let the Conservatives take care of you. They will force religion and morality into your lives and then tell you to get a better job so you can be as blessed as them.

Still, I think all candidates should be invited to speak.

Stupid Liberals, god will punish you for your dissent.
5 October 2005
at 11:52 a.m.

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c_doc77 (Anonymous) says…

Instead of “get a better job” the neo-Con phrase is “get a better education”. Its the same thing really, but an updated version of it. Its like “We're all Americans. Everyone is on an equal playing field. You too can almost be as good as a rich white guy, if you'll just get the proper education! Otherwise, your jobs will go to Mexico, India, or China. Then you'll be crying to the government for help, and no one will owe you anything because you didn't go to school!”
5 October 2005
at 2:29 p.m.

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Dani (Anonymous) says…

The prospect of the Dole Institute being a liberal institution makes me laugh. One, it's a tribute to Senator Dole. Two, Bill Lacy, the director, is a loyal Republican that worked for Reagan and Bush. Match him up with a liberal associate director and I'd say we have the first truly balanced institution in Kansas.

By the way, everyone should go to their study groups. I went last year and they are fantastic. Plus Barbara Ballard is a gem and she's leading one this semester.