Rick Perry to speak in Wednesday convocation

Liberty University will host Texas Gov. Rick Perry, the front-runner for the GOP nomination for the 2012 presidential election, at Wednesday’s conxvocation.

Liberty had invited Perry to speak earlier this year, before he was a presidential prospect. He was invited last year, but wasn’t able to fit the stop in his schedule.

“I think how well he is received by our students will be a good indicator of how well he will be received by social conservatives nationwide,” said Chancellor and President Jerry Falwell Jr.

Perry, who is in his 10th year as governor, officially announced his run for president on Aug. 13.

On his campaign website, Perry describes himself as a Reagan Republican who hopes to “restore confidence in the American Dream and American Exceptionalism.”

Several national news agencies are coming from all over the country to cover Wednesday’s event.

Past presidential candidates to visit Liberty have included Newt Gingrich, Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul.

“Since Liberty is the world’s largest Christian university, we think it is important to expose the students to as many candidates as possible,” said Chancellor and President Jerry Falwell, Jr.

Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, who is also running for the GOP nomination, is scheduled to speak at Liberty on Sept. 28.