Issue date: 10/22/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Claire Elise Padgett Supporters of different candidates and propostions in the November election displayed campaign signs in the Library Quad. [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Claire Elise Padgett Elysia Dear, senior psychology and history major, looks at Obama campaign paraphenalia at the Progressive Student Alliance booth during Politcal Day in the Library Quad on Thursday. [Click to enlarge]

Sacramento State students gathered in the library quad Thursday in the quad for Associated Students Inc.'s semi-annual Political Day in order to heighten their political awareness and activity on campus.

"We don't endorse any candidates or any stances. We wanted to get students informed," said Miguel Cervantes ASI president. "If we don't vote, we don't make a difference. If we don't vote, members of the legislature will look at our numbers and think that we don't care. It's important to get informed on the issues."

A number of students groups had information tables including the Sac State College Democrats, the Sac State College Republicans, Students for Social Change, the Yes on 7 campaign, Queer-Straight Alliance and ASI.

The object was not for students to come into the quad with a firm stance on an issue and change it entirely, but rather for students to come in with questions and have them answered by those who could and also to prompt political action within a generally politically passive age group, Cervantes said.

The main event was a political debate held at noon. Students from the College Republicans, the College Democrats and Students for Social Change were asked questions and given set times to answer then rebut them.

"The debate went good, but I think it was quite unbalanced," said Nick Allen special projects coordinator of ASI.

The College Republicans were the only conservative voices on the stage. The College Democrats and Students for Social Change both appeared to be liberal in comparison. Still, the republicans did not feel alone.

"It's hard being in a blue state, but it's nice to see that there are still other people out there who are like-minded," said Alex Briggs treasurer of the College Republicans.

The tabling reportedly went well. Students who stopped at the tables generally were there to receive information and not argue it.

"People have had questions. I've had the opportunity to correct what they've heard," said Kelsey Lakos who worked at the Queer-Straight Alliance table.

"Most people are really respectful," said Sam Terada who worked at the College Democrats table. "There are definitely people just looking for information."

Joni Hazard can be reached at jhazard@statehornet.com

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