Gov. Timothy M. Kaine will speak at Liberty University today on behalf of Democratic presidential contender Sen. Barack Obama.
Kaine, a national co-chair of the Obama campaign, will address students during convocation at 10 a.m. He is expected to highlight the senator’s Christian faith and the role it plays in his leadership, according to an announcement made Sunday.
Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. said details of the appearance were finalized over the weekend. Kaine is expected to speak at the beginning of the convocation program for about 10 minutes.
His address will be followed by a speech from former U.S. congressman Bob McEwen, R-Ohio, whose appearance was already on the schedule.
Falwell made a written statement on the governor’s pending visit Sunday night in response to an e-mail seeking comment.
“While it is no secret who many of us in leadership at LU are supporting in this election, the school has not endorsed or opposed either candidate,” he wrote. “I believe LU’s students will be respectful and polite to Gov. Kaine even though the vast majority of them do not support Sen. Obama. Even Ted Kennedy received a cordial reception at LU when he visited in 1983.
“There are some Obama supporters on campus and I am sure they will express their support tomorrow. I am looking forward to the visit and, while I do not believe any of our students will change their votes this late in the campaign, I do believe it will be an excellent learning experience for them.”
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