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Showtime's American Candidate Comes to Charlottesville

University of Virignia Center for Politics to Host Political Reality Show

5/27/04 | Showtime has selected Charlottesville, Virginia and the University of Virginia Center for Politics to host one of 10 episodes of the network's new political reality series, American Candidate.

The purpose of the American Candidate series is for the American people to select a "People's Candidate," who they feel has the qualities and credentials to lead at the highest level. Contestants will face-off against each other in a series of challenges designed to test their political mettle.

On Sunday, June 20, 2004, at 12:30pm the Center for Politics will host the aspiring candidates, at Old Cabell Hall on the historic grounds of the University of Virginia. University Professor and Center for Politics Director Larry J. Sabato will co-moderate the event, along with the American Candidate show host.

LOCAL GROUPS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE

On Monday, June 21, 2004, the candidates will be turned loose in the city to secure support/votes in order to remain on the show. Rather than attending a multitude of formal events, the candidates will have the opportunity to attend a few smaller events, but will mainly work with local individuals and groups to structure their "campaign" in a way that maximizes their experience in Charlottesville. Each candidate will look to meet with and accept the volunteer help of interested individuals following the town hall meeting debate on Sunday, June 20. The candidates come from very diverse backgrounds and represent a broad spectrum of political ideology. Interested individuals and groups are encouraged to attend the June 20 event in Old Cabell Hall at 12:30pm and support their favorite candidate.

CENTER FOR POLITICS

The University of Virginia Center for Politics is a non-profit, non-partisan institute whose mission is to promote the value of politics and seeks to improve civics education and increase civic participation through comprehensive research, pragmatic analysis, and innovative educational programs. Founded in 1998 by political analyst and Professor Larry J. Sabato, the Center is committed to the proposition that government works better when politics works better.

AMERICAN CANDIDATE

American Candidate is intended to provide a forum for new and diverse ideas and a path to national prominence for people with a passion to make a difference. By introducing a diverse group of potential leaders, with different sets of core issues and policy proposals, the show will provoke discussion and debate about what our nation is really looking for in a president and involve more people in the political process. The winner gets $200,000 and a nationwide media appearance after the show so the "American Candidate" can make his or her address to the nation.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

- Matt Smyth, Center for Politics, (434) 924-7629
- Lenna Lebovich, American Candidate, (310) 202-1272

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Copyright © 2004 U.Va. Center for Politics. All rights reserved.