On Oct.17, NSU will host a live televised debate in the race for United States Senator from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center.
“Decision 2012: Before You Vote”, a project created by Leadership Florida in partnership with the Florida Press Association, is pairing up with NSU to host the general election debate between Democratic candidate, incumbent U.S. Senator Bill Nelson and Republican candidate, U.S. Representative Connie Mack.
This is not the first time NSU has been chosen as an arena for politics. In both 2006 and 2010, the university hosted the debate in the state race for U.S. senator.
Brandon Hensler, assistant director of public affairs, said that NSU has been chosen to hold the senatorial debate because it has a great working relationship with Leadership Florida and the Florida Press Association.
Hensler said, “I feel that it is paramount to serve as a springboard for important dialogues for the enrichment of both our students and the community.”
The debate is not open to the public and only a certain amount of tickets were distributed. However, it will be broadcast live, statewide on local television channels. Plus, viewing parties will be held on campus at the Flight Deck in the Don Taft University Center and the Knight Auditorium in the Carl DeSantis Building. There will also be a live webcast featuring politicians, NSU students and professors, who will provide analysis after the debate.
Christopher Mignochi, junior exercise and sports science and legal studies major, and president of the Undergraduate Student Government Association, said that this debate is an excellent chance for students to experience a political event of high magnitude firsthand.
Mignochi said, “Civic engagement is in serious decline in this country, and attending important events like the senatorial debates can change that.”
Anthony Campenni, finance student in the MBA program and president of the Graduate Business Student Association, said that because of the tough economic times, this election can change important economic policies. He feels that understanding what our congressmen believe and the policies they plan to adopt will be important moving forward — as voters and as a country.
Campenni said, “We should be welcoming and encouraging candidates to speak and motivate our Sharks to vote and stay active in what’s going on with the United States.”
For additional details about the debate, including local stations that will air it live, log on to www.beforeyouvote.org. For more information on Nova’s Post-Debate Analysis Webcast, visit www.nova.edu/nsudebate2012.
