Clinton to visit MSU for fifth time

By Hanna LoPatin

Daily Staff Reporter

President Bill Clinton will make his last visit to Michigan as a sitting president this morning to address the Lansing community and students at Michigan State University.

White House spokesman Jason Schechter said Clinton chose to visit MSU during his final month in office because he feels that the campus is a milestone on his road to the White House.

This is Clinton's fifth visit to Michigan State. Two of those visits occurred before he was elected in 1992, including his significant appearance at the final presidential debate against candidates Ross Perot and then President George Bush.

"The President wanted to go to places that really reflected the beginning of his administration and what we have accomplished," Schechter said.

"He enjoyed his time there."

Schechter said the President is expected to speak about "where we were when President Clinton was elected in '92 and how far we've come and the importance of continuing in the future."

Michigan State political science Prof. David Rohde, who also serves as the university's director of Political Institutions and Public Policy Program, said he expects the economy to serve as the main issue of the speech.

"Economy is the thing he most likes to talk about when he talks about his administration," he said.

The event is open to the public, although most tickets had to be obtained in advance. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. at the Breslin Center.

Schechter said he expects the audience to include Lansing officials, but Gov. John Engler's spokeswoman, Susan Shafer, said the governor does not plan to attend.