NEW ORLEANS (AP) If local leaders in New Orleans get their way, presidential debates at the convention center will replace the images of suffering and death that Hurricane Katrina etched into many minds.
Five New Orleans universities are working with the grass-roots organization Women of the Storm to get one of the three presidential debates in fall 2008.
Loyola University's president, the Reverend Kevin Wildes, says it would be a great spotlight, showing that the city is still working to come back, but can still hold major events.
He and the rest of the group will meet Tuesday with production, technical and management staff from the Commission on Presidential Debates as part of the bid process. Commission representatives are expected to tour the convention center.
Wildes says that when the committee first asked if the universities were interested in hosting a debate, they said no, with thanks, because they don't have the money or the staff. He says that's when Women of the Storm stepped in and offered to lead the push and raise money.
New Orleans is one of 19 locations bidding to host a debate.
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