June 8, 2007

Charleston, SC - Touting the growing momentum and excitement surrounding the South Carolina Democratic presidential primary and the strong field of Democratic candidates, the South Carolina Democratic Party announced today that Charleston and The Citadel will host their next presidential primary debate on July 23.  CNN will be the broadcast partner for the July 23 debate in conjunction with YouTube.

"The Democratic Party is proud to take our message of patriotism and prosperity and our outstanding group of presidential candidates to Charleston and The Citadel," said state Democratic chair Carol Fowler.  "Our debate partners CNN and YouTube have some incredibly interesting and exciting ideas for this debate, and I think South Carolina voters will be very impressed with what they see on the air.  Our partners, their viewers, and the other members of the national media will certainly be impressed with what Charleston and South Carolina Democrats have in store for them here.  The Citadel is a spacious campus and my goal is to have as many South Carolinians as possible see this debate and this outstanding group of candidates firsthand."

South Carolina Democratic leaders like Fowler, Congressman Jim Clyburn, and Charleston Mayor Joe Riley stressed the benefits of hosting a national presidential debate for the state.

"From South Carolina State University to The Citadel, it is wonderful that through our Path to the Presidency primary we are getting the chance to showcase the strength and diversity of South Carolina students and South Carolina public universities and colleges.  You can't match this kind of exposure," said Fowler.  "It's not only good for the Democratic Party across the country, it will be good for the future of this State."

"The Citadel is in my district and I am delighted to welcome the Democratic candidates.  I think they will be impressed with the young leaders that they will meet and overwhelmed by the hospitality they will receive from the school and from the Charleston community," said Democratic Majority Whip Jim Clyburn.  "I commend Chairwoman Fowler, CNN, and the DNC for bringing such an important event to The Citadel.  In times like these, it is more important than ever to hear the voices of America's next generation of military leaders."

"Charleston is pleased to welcome the exceptionally gifted group of Democratic Presidential candidates as well as CNN and YouTube to our city and my alma mater for this historic debate.  I couldn't be happier that the Democratic Party and hundreds of members of the national media will be coming here," said Charleston Mayor Joe Riley, a long-time Democratic leader in South Carolina.  "We look forward to showing the campaigns and millions of viewers across America and the world the results of Charleston's remarkable revitalization.  Whether it is job growth or national security, technology or tourism, understanding the issues Charleston voters are facing is essential to understanding how to govern the country as a whole."

Lt. Gen. John Rosa, President of The Citadel, welcomed CNN and the Democrats to campus.

"The Citadel is proud to be involved with the presidential debates and to partner with the Democratic Party, CNN, and our friends in Charleston to bring this landmark event to the Lowcountry.  It is fitting that these debates will take place on the campus of South Carolina's military college.  Generations of Citadel graduates have fought to defend the free exchange of ideas that this event encourages," said Lt. Gen Rosa.

This will be the second Democratic debate of the 2008 cycle hosted in South Carolina, and the first debate of the 2008 cycle to be "sanctioned" by the national Democratic Party.  All eight Democratic candidates have confirmed to attend the debate, which will be Monday, July 23, on the historic campus of the Citadel.

Details about the debate format and how South Carolina viewers can take part will be released in coming days.  For more information about South Carolina Democratic Party events surrounding the July 23 debate or the Democratic presidential candidates' activities here in South Carolina, please log onto www.scdp.org.

Contact:

Hope Derrick, Congressman Clyburn's Office - (803) 553-1732
Patrick Norton, S.C. Democratic Party - (803) 799-7798
Barbara Vaughn, City of Charleston - (843) 724-3753/3746