Community Corner

Stockton Announces Bid to Host Presidential Debate

Could South Jersey host a 2012 debate? Stockton has thrown its hat into the venue ring.

What has been spoken of preliminarily for a little over a month at Galloway's town council meetings was made official late Wednesday afternoon when the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey announced it has submitted a formal bid to host a presidential or vice presidential debate during the 2012 election.

“I can think of no more fitting place for a presidential or vice presidential debate than right here at Stockton,” Stockton President Herman J. Saatkamp Jr. said in an announcement released by the college late Wednesday afternoon. “Civic engagement and community partnerships are a key element in our educational mission.

“Debates are a time-honored practice to assist the electorate in making informed choices. As home to the Hughes Center and previous host of many high profile events, it makes sense for Stockton to be seriously considered.”

Find out what's happening in West Deptfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Stockton is the home of William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy. The center commissions political and public opinion polls, conducts political research and presents political lectures and forums.

Saatkamp referenced the college's infrastructure, location to the largest and fourth largest media locations in the country and event hosting experience as assets to the college's bid.

Find out what's happening in West Deptfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Possible travel and accommodations could be handled by the Atlantic City International Airport, the William J. Hughes Federal Aviation Center Administration Technical Center and the Seaview Resort, purchased last year by the college. All three are within close proximity of Stockton.

Stockton received letters of support from Galloway Mayor Keith Hartman; Gov. Chris Christie; former congressman and ambassador to Panama William J. Hughes; U.S. Senators Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez; U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo; State Senator James Whelan; Assemblymen John Amodeo and Vince Polistina; County Executive Dennis Levinson; Casino Reinvestment Development Authority Chairman James Kehoe; South Jersey Transportation Authority Executive Director Bart Mueller; Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey President and CEO Debra Di Lorenzo; Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce President Joseph Kelly; and the President of the Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey Rita Marie Fulginiti.

“It is clear Stockton has the physical and human resources, the ability, experience and desire to make a debate happen here,” Saatkamp said. “What a remarkable message this would be to send to our students, faculty and community: that we are engaged at the highest levels and poised to display our abilities on the national stage.”

Located 60 miles from Philadelphia, 125 miles from New York and 175 miles from Washington D.C., Stockton is right in the heart of the Pinelands Nature Reserve.

According to Saatkamp, several Atlantic City hotels said they would provide a total of 3,000 rooms for debate guests and worldwide media.

Saatkamp also touted the debate as a possible economic boon for the local and regional economies.

“Logistically, geographically and aesthetically, Stockton would be an appropriate setting for a political event of this magnitude,” Saatkamp said.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here