Ron Paul returns to UNH

On Friday, Nov. 16, Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul visited UNH for the first time since the Republican debate on Sept. 5, speaking to a mixed audience of more than 300 people in the Strafford Room.

Paul’s colorful yet blunt comments, such as, “Pakistan is a mess … Our foreign policy is a disaster … We’re living beyond our means, and it’s time we think seriously about bringing our troops home,” all supported the main message of his campaign: Get back to the Constitution.

“The American people have lost faith and trust in the government, but we can’t lose faith and trust in freedom,” Paul said.
Paul’s appearance came just four days after a record breaking $4.2 million fundraising effort coordinated by his volunteer supporters. “A few of you may have noticed we had a pretty good fundraising day,” Paul said.

The 72-year-old Texas congressman spoke for 30 minutes about his stance on hot topics, such as foreign policy, privacy rights and the monetary system, while continuously reminding audience members that the constitution is where the United States can find answers.

“If we get back to the constitution, we’d solve almost all our problems,” Paul said.

Paul reminded listeners that the founders of the United States were against world policing. He spoke about the “blowback phenomenon” as an explanation for the current conflicts between the United States and countries occupied by U.S. troops.
“The in-your-face attitude is what they resent, and what we need to reject,” Paul said.

Paul also spoke about his belief in the importance of individual sovereignty, citing the Patriot Act as an infringement on freedoms, and private property rights as a solution to environmental issues.

“To be safe and secure, you do not have to and shouldn’t have to give up any of your personal liberties,” Paul said.
After speaking, Paul took questions from the audience. Students posed questions on various topics, such as abortion, global warming, gay marriage and medicinal marijuana.

“I would never use the federal government to enforce laws against anybody using marijuana,” Paul said. “Why don’t we treat alcoholics as criminals? Oh, politicians drink alcohol, they’d never do that.”

Paul prefaced some of his answers with his belief that the federal government should not be mandating health or social issues such as abortion. He said those issues should be handled at the state level.

John McCain attends UNH/BC hockey game

Republican presidential candidate John McCain attended UNH’s home hockey game against Boston College on Saturday, Nov. 10, with a view from booth 121. After speaking at a town meeting in Rochester, McCain pulled up in his silver tour bus for the start of the game. He stayed approximately one hour for a quick meet-and-greet with students.

“It’s a fun place with great people and nationally ranked teams,” Sen. McCain said from his tour bus before leaving Durham.
Game-goers who saw McCain reported that he was seated on the side of the Whittemore Arena and up in the box seats, high above the stands.

“He was right over there on the side. I saw him. It was pretty cool,” said Allyson Bergendahl, a UNH pep band sousaphone player.

Some attendees were surprised to hear he was in the stands among them and wondered why they were not informed prior to his visit.

“I saw the bus, and the first thing I thought was ‘Why didn’t I know ahead of time?’ I wondered if he was giving a speech on campus or if he had been in other places. Usually, I know when big names are coming because it’s publicized all over campus,” UNH alum Heather Smith said.

Some guests had attended the forum in Rochester just a few hours before the game.

“I was just at his rally in Rochester, and it was awesome just to hear him. I was impressed with his charisma. He’s serious, but he has a joking manner to him,” Rochester resident Susan Tester said.

McCain, a U. S. Senator from Arizona currently serving his fourth term, has been in the political limelight for decades. He ran for president in 2000 and 2004 and is running again in the 2008 election.

Huckabee goes for a run around town

Wearing a yellow track jacket, black wind pants and running sneakers, Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee ran a 5K race starting at Madbury Road’s TKE house on Saturday, Nov. 17, at 8 a.m. While most of the campus slept, the former Arkansas governor ran with TKE brothers, members of UNH Students for Huckabee and curious locals.

“You’ve got to go slow. You’re all less than half my age. Be kind,” Huckabee joked to a huddle of TKE brothers.

While other candidates visiting UNH often hold rallies, participate in debates or attend sports events, the former Baptist pastor decided to incorporate the university community into his routine run. He said he’s training for the Boston Marathon next April.
“It’s a fun run. It’s going to be a leisurely pace,” Huckabee said.

The governor compared his endurance-focused running style to his campaign in metaphorical terms, alluding to the “strong and steady” parable.

“(The campaign) is very much like a marathon. It’s the last miles that determine who’s going to win or lose. You have to train and prepare to carry the game plan to keep the pace,” Huckabee said.

Julie Brown, a Republican state representative, came to the run to support Huckabee during the primary. According to Brown, Huckabee values family and supports early education and elderly citizens’ needs.

“He’s a great man. I’m hoping everyone gives him a second and third look,” Brown said. “He’s honest, down-to-earth and genuinely cares about people.”

After the run concluded around 9:15 a.m., a group picture with the fraternity banner was taken in front of TKE. Huckabee then left for an 11 a.m. meeting in Exeter.

According to CNN national November polls, Huckabee was supported by 10 percent of Republicans surveyed.