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'Today's' Election Tour To Broadcast From UT Tomorrow

News Channel 8 photo by ERIC HAUSMANN

Production crew from 'The Today Show' prepare for Tuesday's segment on battleground states.

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By WALT BELCHER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 22, 2008

Updated: 09/22/2008 12:42 pm

TAMPA - Matt Lauer and Al Roker will be wandering the grounds of the University of Tampa on Tuesday morning as part of the "Today" show's four-day road trip to battleground states.

"We've tried to pick states that are going to have a major say in the election," says Jim Bell, executive producer of "Today."

"We were recently in Miami, and we felt the west coast of Florida reflects the way a lot of the country is wrestling with the issues," he said in a telephone interview.

Bell adds that the presidential race between Republican Sen. John McCain and Democratic Sen. Barack Obama has generated more interest than any in recent history.

An interview with McCain was featured on today's program. "And Matt plans to interview Obama for the Tuesday show," Bell said.

The plan is for Lauer and Roker to broadcast live from Plant Hall at the University of Tampa from 7 to 9 a.m.

The public can come out and watch, but parking will be scarce. University of Tampa spokesman Eric Cardenas says because classes are in session there will be no public parking available on campus. Spectators will have to search for metered parking on the nearby streets.

Much of Lauer's reporting will be from the Plant Hall veranda on the east side of the building. Roker's reports will be near the fountain in front of Plant Hall. Portions of the campus lawn will be roped off for spectators.

NBC affiliate WFLA, Channel 8, will have live coverage from the university between 5 and 7 a.m.

Lauer is set to interview Gov. Charlie Crist, Bell says. Lauer will focus on Florida voters who are undecided. The results of a customized NBC News poll of Florida will be discussed. Among those who are expected to weigh in on Florida politics is Tampa Tribune columnist Dan Ruth.

Roker plans to chat with Tampa Bay Buccaneer Ronde Barber, and they will be joined live via satellite from New York by Ronde's twin brother, NBC's Tiki Barber.

Roker also will sample the local Cuban cuisine, doing a cooking segment with some local chefs. The University of Tampa's pep band might get some air time.

Additionally, NBC News' Michelle Kosinski will be live from Fort Myers, looking at the real estate crash and credit crisis and its effect on Florida.

The four-day road trip kicked off today in Philadelphia. Lauer and Roker are expected to arrive in Tampa today.

Reporter Walt Belcher can be reached at (813 259-7654 or wbelcher@tampatrib.com.

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