The New Hampshire Institute of Politics (NHIOP) hosted the Manchester Chamber of Commerce gubernatorial and congressional debates on October 24 and October 25 providing Kevin B. Harrington student ambassadors with a variety of valuable experiences.
Andrew Barbetto '23, a senior politics major worked the Tuesday, Oct. 24 debate. "I had the exciting opportunity to be the official timekeeper for the gubernatorial debate held at the NHIOP. Being the official timekeeper allowed me to be an active participant in something as consequential and important as a gubernatorial debate," said Barbetto. "To have such incredible access to high-ranking government officials such as Governor Sununu and State Senator Sherman is something that only a place such as Saint Anselm College can provide."
Amani Clemons '24 described her experiences working closely with New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu's communications team observing the governor's preparation before the debate. During arrival, Clemons greeted the candidates with NHIOP Executive Director Neil Levesque and a fellow ambassador at the VIP entrance. Once the debate had begun, ambassadors sat in the front row.
On the night of the congressional debate, Jacob Akey '24 mentioned the feeling of tension in the room between the two candidates: U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas, and Republican candidate Karoline Leavitt '19. He said it was a great experience as an ambassador to witness political history.
Lastly, junior Kevin Macarelli '24 shared how being an ambassador is a special opportunity at Saint Anselm College. "Getting the chance to be able to work at political debates right here on campus is incredible. The opportunities that the NHIOP Kevin B. Harrington Student Ambassador Program offers to students are truly groundbreaking. I love being able to interact with candidates from across the political spectrum and take a real and meaningful part in the local, state, and even national electoral process."
The debates continue next week starting on Nov. 1-4 with the NHIPP hosting the debates for U.S. Senate, Congress, and Governor partnering with WMUR News 9. Ambassadors will also work and view those debates.