Las Vegas is throwing its hat into the political arena, vying with other cities to be an official host site for one of the presidential debates during the 2016 campaign.
As an early caucus state that will also be a key battleground state in the next election, Nevada is well-suited for hosting a debate, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). The city previously hosted primary debates, presidential speeches, and been long considered for political conventions by both parties.
“Las Vegas would be a natural choice for a presidential debate given our ability to host high-profile special events, and the world-class experience our destination provides,” said Rossi Ralenkotter, president/CEO, LVCVA. “Businesses have long discovered the value of holding their events in Las Vegas, which is why we have held the No. 1 ranking in North America for meetings and conventions for the last 20 years. We look forward to showcasing Las Vegas to the Commission on Presidential Debates.”
Ralenkotter and University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) President Len Jessup are co-chairs of the Las Vegas 2016 Presidential Debate Committee. If selected, the debate would be held at the Thomas & Mack Center on the UNLV campus sometime between late September and mid-October 2016.
“Presidential debates bring a unique energy – and the national spotlight – to a campus and enrich the education of students by allowing them to experience the political process up close,” Jessup stated. “UNLV has one of the most diverse student bodies in the country and is an ideal venue for the candidates to debate issues that will affect our students, our community, our state and our nation.”
The Commission on Presidential Debates is expected to announce the four host cities in fall 2015.
For more information, visit debates.org
