University president David Hopkins said escalating security costs and the inability to raise money from the state and community to cover what could be as much as $8 million.
"I can't assure the safety of our students and the community," Hopkins said.
- JULY 1: Past universities say hosting debates expensive, but worth it
- NUTTER CENTER: History of Wright State's arena
- JULY 2: Host committee hoped debate would allow Dayton to "show friendly face"
- MAY 16: Wright State seeks funds for debate
- MAY 13: Wright State pleads for help in raising $8 million debate tab
- Jan. 22: Wright State adds millions to cost of presidential debate
- JAN. 7: Wright State admin gets $60K stipend for debate
- Sept. 2015: Wright State picked to host first presidential debate
Celina-area State Senator Keith Faber spoke to Ohio Politics editor Anthony Shoemaker on Wright State pulling out of the debate:
"I encourage the debate commission and the candidates to look at other institutions in Ohio and figure out a way to get it done."
Faber the Senate President and a Celina resident, has a law practice near the Wright State Lake Campus branch in Mercer County.
Niraj Antani, state rep from Miamisburg said the following in a statement:
"I am very disappointed to hear that Wright State had to pull out of hosting the debate due to security costs. The threat of Islamic terrorism is affecting us right here in the Dayton area. A presidential debate is a demonstration of democracy and it shouldn't be cost prohibitive because of security concerns."
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