Notre Dame asks Obama, Romney to speak on campus

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) - The University of Notre Dame, which faced protests three years ago when President Barack Obama gave the commencement speech, has invited the president and Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney to speak on campus.

The university said Notre Dame's president, Rev. John Jenkins and the student body president made the invitations Monday, continuing a long tradition.

Obama's appearance at the 2009 commencement sparked protests over his support of abortion rights and embryonic stem-cell research. Some called for Jenkins to resign, and dozens of bishops questioned Jenkins' judgment for inviting the president to speak.

Pro-Life Action League spokeswoman Ann Scheidler says the group has no problem with the campaign invitations because both candidates are invited to speak. Group members protested before Obama's graduation speech.