Campaign representatives from multiple Democratic primary candidates were on the Franklin Pierce University Tuesday, recruiting for their campaigns or just offering information, as part of the campus’ observances of Constitution Day.
The day began with a reading of some of the nation’s founding documents, starting with the preamble to the Constitution, read by university President Kim Mooney. Members of the university, staff and students all also contributed readings.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., representatives from multiple campaigns were available in the courtyard, speaking to students about their platforms.
New Hampshire’s first primary status and reputation as a battleground state make it prime ground for political candidates, said Paul Lambert, a sophomore and communications major. Though he’ll be casting his vote in his home state of Massachusetts, Lambert said he’s taking full advantage of the attraction of New Hampshire to get exposed to the broad swath of candidates in the race.
“When you go to a single person’s event, you get that person’s point of view,” Lambert said. “This is a way to make sure you’re informed about everyone. If people are informed, that’s when democracy works effectively.”
With primary voting more than a year away, students said they’re still gathering information and making their decisions for who will get their ballot.
Nadia Cathcart, a freshman and political science major, said she’s trying to sort through the candidates to see who aligns with her most closely, though she said she sees the appeal in both Cory Booker and Bernie Sanders.
The Rindge, Jaffrey and Fitzwilliam Republicans also had a table on the courtyard, handing out pocket Constitutions and taking sign-ups for their e-mail list.
Dave Alcorta of Rindge, a volunteer for the organization, and said he’s been encouraged by the engagement young people have in politics. In the most recent election, he helped organize student voting efforts along with State Rep. John Hunt.
“They were young, engaged and looking for information,” he said.
Sophomores Teagan Daignault of Claremont and Jack Lang of Hampton Bays, New York, both signed up with the local Republican chapter email alert. They both said they’d be supporting President Donald Trump for re-election. Both said his record on job creation has impressed them.
“The jobs he’s brought back to the United States from overseas, that’s important to me,” Daignault said.
No matter which candidate they were voting for, the goal of the fair was engagement, Kristen Nevious, Director of the Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications on the Rindge campus.
“I’m pleased with the response,” she said. “We’re always striving to be a campus with strong cultural engagement.”
Ashley Saari can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on Twitter @AshleySaariMLT.