The Hawk

Issue date: 11/3/06 Section: News

Governor Ed Rendell greets the College Democrats and his supporters in the Hawk Rock.

Last week, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell and his Republican opponent Lynn Swann made separate visits to Saint Joseph's University as part of their respective campaign tours. At both Rendell's appearance last Monday and Swann's on Friday, the candidates delivered a brief address before fielding questions from students and other guests. Prior to the events, sponsored by the College Democrats and College Republicans respectively, there had been some confusion over whether the candidates would be visiting Saint Joseph's on their campaign tour at all.

The two groups were advised against inviting candidates presently seeking elected office to speak on campus as campaign stops at the beginning of the semester in a meeting with Patty Martin, associate director of government and community relations. Martin said it was a matter of neutrality, and that if the University invited a candidate, then his or her opponent must receive a matched invitation. "It could have been very difficult to coordinate," she said, explaining that candidates frequently give less than a week's notice prior to appearances due to the chaotic nature of their schedules.

Rendell arrived at length in his campaign bus Monday afternoon, finally pulling up to the Campion Student Center almost 45 minutes late. He was greeted by cheers of "We want Swann" and "The Swann will never die!" - a contingent of 25 College Republicans was on hand, protesting Rendell's policies and showing their support for Swann. During the rally, Rendell later said with a smile, "I was tempted to say, 'In 14 days, you can have him!'"

About 160 people crammed into the Hawk Rock to listen to the governor speak. After his introductory remarks, Rendell responded to questions about gun violence, education issues and No Child Left Behind, abortion, and the Eagles' poor endgame.

"Don't believe the polls," he exhorted the gathered crowd, stating that he would need a "clear majority to show a mandate to the legislature." He also asked for their support of Democratic candidates in other hotly-contested local House races, and plugged Bob Casey, Jr., as a strong candidate for the Senate who Rendell said would be able to build up clout and be a force in Washington for the next 20 years.

Swann showed up early for his appearance in the North Lounge Friday, where he met with about 80 supporters to answer their questions and push his platform of "common sense in the commonwealth." Questions were posed on issues ranging from negative campaigning to keeping young professionals in jobs instate and healthcare reform.

Continued...

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