Panel names sites of official presidential debates, Wash. U listed as backup

The committee that sponsors presidential debates during the general election has chosen Denver, Hempstead, N.Y., and Boca Raton, Fla., as the sites for three debates in October 2012. They are to take place, barring any unforseen changes, as follows.

The Commission on Presidential Debates announced Monday that the debates between President Barack Obama and his Republican challenger will take place:

• Oct. 3 at the University of Denver
• Oct. 16 at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y.
• and Oct. 22 Lynn University in Boca Raton, Fla.
• The vice presidential debate is set for Oct. 11 at Centre College in Danville, Ky.

The commission selected Washington University in St. Louis as a debate host for the fifth time in a row in 2008, but this time, the private university gets a backup site designation.

The commission was established in 1987 and has sponsored the official presidential and vice presidential debates since 1988.