Several days before the pivotal New Hampshire presidential primary, 11 Hamilton students spent the weekend in Keene, N.H., campaigning for Democratic presidential hopefuls John Kerry and Howard Dean. The students volunteered in the candidates' Keene offices, helping with tasks such as canvassing (door-to-door campaigning) and visibility (holding signs). They also had the opportunity to see their candidates speak in person, at a Dean event in Keene on Jan. 23, and a Kerry event at Dartmouth College on Jan. 24.
The trip was organized by the Hamilton College Democrats, with support from the Student Activities office. Jon Kuhl '06, president of the Hamilton College Democrats, said he felt that the trip was a once in a lifetime experience the students were lucky to have. "Reading about and watching the campaigns unfold on TV is one thing, but actually being a part of it is something more. You suddenly have a personal stake in the outcome," Kuhl said. "Seeing the campaigns from the inside, it was amazing that people my own age, or slightly older, were the ones running these organizations. I have a new appreciation for all the efforts that go into a presidential campaign."
-Caroline O'Shea '07-
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Caroline O'Shea '07 and Goulding '06 |
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The scene in Keene, NH |
