Date: Dec 05, 2007

Hofstra Students to Study Presidential Politics Firsthand at New Hampshire Presidential Primary

Students will participate in events during final three days of campaigning by Democratic and Republican candidates

Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY –  Hofstra students will experience the excitement of the official launch of the 2008 U.S. presidential election process during the three days leading up to the New Hampshire presidential primary on Tuesday, January 8.

The students, accompanied by faculty, will travel to New Hampshire January 5-7 to take part in various Democratic and Republican candidate events in order to witness for themselves how the process works. "New Hampshire is one of the most important battlegrounds in each electoral cycle, and 2008 will prove especially so," said political science Professor David Green, who is organizing the trip. "This year the presidential race is wide open, and the primary will be crucial for the nearly 20 Democratic and Republican candidates running.

"Because the state is so important, and because it is so small and so close, Hofstra students have the unique opportunity to observe first-hand the ‘retail politics’ of campaigning in New Hampshire coffee shops, living rooms and small auditoriums," said Dr. Green. "They may also get to shake the hand of the next president of the United States. The atmosphere right before the vote will be electric."

Sponsored by the Office of the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean’s Office of Hofstra College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Hofstra University Honors College, the First Year Connections program and the Center for Civic Engagement, the New Hampshire trip will cost about $65 per student, including bus transportation and lodging. Space is limited and pre-registration is required - first-come, first-served. Students interested in participating should contact Dr. Green at david.green@hofstra.edu.

Dr. Green led Hofstra students to New Hampshire twice during the 2004 presidential election campaign. "It was an amazing experience for the students,” he said. "We met nearly every candidate running. John Kerry served us breakfast at a firehouse pancake breakfast event.  John Edwards rolled into a bowling alley event at midnight, in the snow, with a reception like a rock star."

Students had the opportunity to speak with former New Hampshire Governor Jeanne Shaheen and to hear stories of past presidential candidates and campaigns from one of the most powerful members of the state legislature while sitting in his kitchen eating cookies with him and his wife, Dr. Green said. The students also were briefed by University of New Hampshire professors on how the primary system works. "Several students were so enthusiastic, they wound up working on campaigns after the trip," said Dr. Green.

Hofstra will host the third and final presidential debate on October 15, 2008. President Stuart Rabinowitz will soon announce plans for a series of academic programs to be held in the months leading up to the debate that will provide students and the community with insights into the process and workings of the national election.
 
Hofstra University is a dynamic private institution where students can choose from more than 140 undergraduate and 155 graduate programs in liberal arts and sciences, business, communication, education and allied human services, and honors studies, and a School of Law.  With a student-faculty ratio of 14-to-1, our professors teach small classes averaging 23 students that emphasize interaction, critical thinking and analysis. Hofstra offers a faculty whose highest priority is teaching excellence, cutting edge technology, extensive library resources, internships and special educational programs that appeal to their interests and abilities. The Hofstra community is driven, dynamic and energetic, helping students find and focus their strengths to prepare them for a successful future.