Reagan Library To Host Debate For GOP Presidential Candidates

Wednesday, February 14th 2007, 10:40 am

By: News On 6

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (AP) _ Always fond of invoking Ronald Reagan, the 2008 crop of Republican candidates will get a prime chance to associate themselves with the Gipper's legacy.

Former first lady Nancy Reagan said Wednesday she was inviting the leading GOP candidates to the first-ever debate at her husband's library in Simi Valley.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library plans to host the debate on May 3. It will feature questions submitted through a Web site.

``Ronnie always hoped the library would be a place where policymakers will debate the future,'' Nancy Reagan said in a statement. ``This presidential debate provides the opportunity to fulfill his wishes.''

Debate participants were not immediately announced. Nearly a dozen Republicans have announced their candidacies or have indicated they are considering a bid for the nation's top job. The early front-runners include Arizona Sen. John McCain, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

The debate will be moderated by MSNBC and aired on the cable news channel, as well as simulcast online through the Web site of The Politico newspaper, Politico.com.

People watching online will be able to submit questions to the candidates via the site, according to a release on Politico.com.