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August 23, 2008

Program educating ISU students on how American political process works

By Sue Loughlin

TERRE HAUTE — Some Indiana State University students are in Denver getting a first-hand education on how the American political process works.

At the site of the Democratic National Convention, the students are attending a national political convention seminar conducted by the Washington Center, an educational nonprofit organization.

The program lasts two weeks, and they will also be involved in field experiences connected to the convention.

There are no promises they will attend the actual convention or witness the keynote speakers, but they will be doing enough networking that there is a good possibility they will get in the doors to see some of the convention activities and highlights.

The entire experience “has been amazing,” said Analyssa Noe, 22, of Kansas, an ISU legal studies major. On Friday evening, for example, the Washington Center students heard from Howard Dean, chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

Noe is looking forward to the start of convention. “This is a historical campaign year, no matter what happens,” she said.

Barack Obama will be the first African-American to receive a major party nomination for president.

Hillary Clinton came closer than any other woman in American history to winning a major-party nomination. She will speak on the 88th anniversary of women receiving the right to vote.

With these kinds of breakthrough opportunities for women and minorities, “Will we be the country we always said we are, but never really were?” Noe asked.

“We’re at a place where we can really change directions … and solve some significant problems” in the United States, Noe said. “There is a lot of hope in the air.”

As part of her fieldwork assignments, she will work with a group called “She Should Run,” which encourages and supports women political candidates.

On Friday, Noe worked security at the Pepsi Center, providing access control to visitors. Community members were able take tours. She also went onto the convention center floor and took pictures where the Indiana delegation will be located.

In another placement, she’ll work with Emily’s List, also a group that supports women political candidates. On Tuesday, she’ll assist with an opening reception gala attended by Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama and Nancy Pelosi.

“I hope I get to hear them speak and maybe interact with them,” Noe said.

While the Washington Center doesn’t guarantee students direct access to the Democratic National Convention, “You never know what kind of access you’ll get,” Noe said. “You try to meet people and work your way into it.”

Just being part of the Washington Center seminars and field assignments in Denver has been a great opportunity, she said. The students are doing a lot of networking and making contacts. “It’s an all-around amazing experience,” she said.

In another assignment, Noe will assist with “Rock the Vote‚” which encourages college students to vote.

She is hoping to fit in a few other activities, and would like to attend some of the special interest caucus sessions.

Another ISU student in Denver is Michael Scott, also the ISU Student Government Association president.

This week, Scott will be having breakfast each day with the Indiana delegation. He’s hoping to borrow some credentials to get access to the convention floor, when Hoosier delegates are taking a break from the activities.

On Friday, the 20-year-old social studies education and political science major worked security at the Pepsi Center. Starting Saturday, as part of another field assignment, he began working with the Ohio delegation, serving as their liaison to the convention.

The seminars have been great, he said, and later this week, students expect to hear from Michael Dukakis as well as the governor of Pennsylvania, Scott said.

Scott wants to be a high school principal, but he also has a strong love for politics.

Sadie Davis, 21, an ISU senior, is pursuing a double major in political science and legal studies.

As part of her field activities, she will work security at Invesco Field/Mile High Stadium when Obama gives his acceptance speech Thursday. “I’m so excited,” she said. “I’m hoping I’ll be able to see him.”

Regardless of where she is placed in the stadium, “I’ll definitely be able to hear him,” she said.

Originally, she had been a Hillary Clinton supporter, but she is now extending her support to Obama as the anticipated Democratic nominee for president. “This is all about party unity,” Davis said.

She is grateful for her opportunities in Denver with the national convention. “I’m absolutely thrilled to be part of it in any capacity,” she said.

Her other assignments include security work at the Colorado Convention Center, where several caucuses will be conducted.

Other ISU students in Denver participating in the Washington Center program are Jenna Butler of Evansville and Madalyn Blackburn of Washington.

Topics during the first week include an introduction to the host city and the convention facility, the history of political campaigns and conventions, the nomination process, convention planning and procedures, party organizations, campaign finance and media coverage.

This week, the students will talk about the keynote address, party platform, party factions, selection of the presidential and vice presidential nominees, campaign issues and strategies and other important races.

Five more ISU students will leave today to head to Minneapolis for the Republican National Convention.

Those attending are Michael Cook of Charleston, Ill.; Matthew Huckleby of Georgetown; Carly Robbins of Terre Haute; Dustin Bryant of Terre Haute and Brent Ellis of Terre Haute.

The Washington Center has a record of 474 participants representing 135 colleges and universities attending the Democratic and Republican National Conventions.

The students represent 46 states, the District of Columbia and 11 foreign countries. Indiana State students had a portion of their trip funded through a grant from Lilly Endowment.

Sue Loughlin can be reached at (812) 231-4235 or sue.loughlin@tribstar.com.

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