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Texas universities vie for Bush presidential library
UT still considering bid, officials won't speculate about front runners
By Neal Tesseyman
The University of Texas was given an invitation last week to continue in its pursuit of hosting its second presidential library. The UT System and other Texas schools and cities received letters requesting proposals to host the George W. Bush presidential library, with a deadline of Sept. 15 set for the bids.
"The UT System received the letter on July 13, and it is my understanding that everyone who expressed interest in hosting the library probably received a letter as well," said Cile Spelce, a spokesperson for the UT System. UT President Larry Faulkner said the UT System is the bidding agent for all of the UT campuses interested in hosting the library. Besides UT-Austin, the Arlington, Dallas and El Paso campuses have also expressed interest. Other Texas universities competing for the library include Southern Methodist University, Baylor University, Texas A&M University and Texas Tech University. It is unclear how many universities or cities have received the seven-page letter signed by former Secretary of Commerce Don Evans and Marvin Bush, the president's brother, but it is certain that the library will be built in Texas, according to multiple sources. The city of Arlington, SMU and Baylor have confirmed receiving the request, which outlines what is expected of the fundraising process and the building, including that it be high-tech and suitable for hosting foreign dignitaries. Rumors have been widely reported that SMU is the front-runner in the competition. The New York Daily News cited unnamed White House sources as saying SMU is Bush's top pick, but SMU officials have denied any knowledge of the president's opinion. "We have made no assumptions during this planning process, which has been going on for four years," said Brad Cheves, SMU vice president for development and external affairs. Laura Bush graduated from SMU in 1968 with a bachelor's degree in education, and she now serves on the SMU Board of Trustees. Laura later came to the University of Texas to receive her master's degree in library science. President Bush's daughter Jenna is also a UT-Austin alumnus. The Texan strives to present all information fairly, accurately and completely.
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