By Jordan Pallitto ‘06
At a debate held October 27 at Allegheny College and co-hosted by Allegheny’s Center for Political Participation (CPP) and Grove City College, incumbent Congressman Phil English (R) and his challenger Dr. Steven Porter (D) battled for votes in Pennsylvania’s 3rd District within the U.S. House.
With less than a week left before the election, English and Porter disagreed on almost every issue. “The debate was incredibly engaging; it [was the] nitty-gritty, down-to-the-wire political circus,” said Allegheny sophomore AJ Quahliero.
The ninety-minute debate, originally set for early October, was rescheduled after disputes between the candidates were smoothed by assurances that “things would not be allowed to get out of hand” from Daniel Shea, Director of the CPP and a moderator for the event.
In front of a packed house of over 350 in Allegheny’s Carr Hall Auditorium, the candidates voiced contrasting views on the region’s economic situation, water and air quality, veterans’ affairs, the No Child Left Behind Act, how to help the steel industry, and health care, among other things. The mood was not friendly, as the noticeably divided audience rallied behind their candidates with applause and cheers. At one point, Shea interrupted the debate to ask for audience cooperation.
Most Allegheny students who attended the debate felt it was important and worthwhile. “Overall, the event served as a welcome exchange of ideas in an area where political debates are few and far between,” said Allegheny senior Adam Fogel.
“Despite the few occasions in which the audience was noisy, this was a great event,” commented Shea that night. “Tonight Meadville wins, Allegheny wins, and the constituents of the 3rd District win because they got a closer look at the candidates – no matter who ends up in office,” commented Shea.
For more information about Allegheny College’s Center for Political Participation, please call (814) 332-6201.