W.Va. Applies to Host 2016 Presidential Debate

A group in West Virginia is vying for a chance to host one of the 2016 Presidential or Vice Presidential debates in downtown Charleston.

The application was submitted Wednesday to the nation's Commission on Presidential Debates.

West Virginia State University and West Virginia University have joined forces, along with city of Charleston, the State of West Virginia, Steptoe and Johnson, PLLC Attorneys at Law, and the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of West Virginia for the proposal.

The plan submitted calls for the debate to be held at the Clay Center in late September or October, 2016. WVU and WVSU would also host pre-debate activities on their campuses throughout the year leading up to the debate itself.

Logistical considerations are key in the application, as outlined by the Commission, according to the release. Some of the requirements include an air-conditioned debate hall that measures at least 17,000 square feet and workspace and lodging for approximately 3,000 journalists who would cover the debate.