First Blog from Rindge, NH

Well, I’ve traded in my overalls for a more subtle look consisting of shirt, tie, and dress pants. In all seriousness, I think we’ve made some progress in debunking myths about Iowa (here in New Hampshire). A mutual respect has developed amongst the FIN scholars. Allow me to elaborate…

I, along with seven other students from Wartburg College (and our professor), are participating in a election project, in collaboration with students from Franklin Pierce College in Rindge, NH. Dubbed “First in the Nation” (FIN), our project began two weeks ago at our respective colleges. Wartburg students met with various faculty members to discuss political issues pertaining to his or her area of expertise. Sessions included discussions on the economy, polling, media techniques, religious issues, and many others.

One of our night sessions was particularly interesting. A panel met in the McCaskey Lyceum to discuss religion and the role it plays in politics. The members that were present represented four different faiths, and held very different views. It was interesting to see how they stacked up against one another. The most interesting consensus drawn by the panelists was that their religious views, although a factor in what they consider right and wrong, would not keep them from voting for a candidate if the candidates views differed from their own and were in the best interest of the country.

Meanwhile, I can only assume similar events were taking place at FPC during this time. This past week, the FIN scholars (from FPC) came to Iowa to tour local attractions like the Mississippi River Muesum in Dubuque and the "Field of Dreams" in nearby Dyersville. Panels and other events took place as well, with a tour of various campaign headquarters topping off the week.

Switching gears, we have participated in numerous activities while being here in New Hampshire. Our first day in the state we arrived after serving hours at the FPU cafeteria. I tend to get airsick, and hadn't eaten all day. Therefore, once we called for a pizza delivery, found out that wasn't going to happen, sent Benson (our fearless leader *cough) ;-) on a wild goose chase, and finally got some food, I became convinced that New Hampshire knows how to do up a pizza right. Perhaps my hunger biased me. Also, a huge thank you was verbally expressed to Sean Doyle for providing the Iowans, including myself, with breakfast nearly every day. Food aside, conversation between the scholars has been great, and other fun activities fueled us to continue our learning.

We climbed Mt. Monadnock (forgive my spelling), kayaked on the pond near Franklin Pierce College (FPC), and cheered on the local Quarry Hogs (a baseball team in Concord).

Business, on the other hand, continued as usual. Yesterday we visited the Capitol and heard Governor John Lynch speak, as well as, Secretary of State William Gardner. The speeches were pretty interesting. The privilege of being first in the nation" was defended by both gentleman. The main argument being, "because we care." New Hampshire and Iowa view this privilege as a great responsibility and take it upon themselves to live up to expecations.

Later in the afternoon, we attended a panel discussion on campaign rhetoric. Panelists in attendance included: James Pindell, political reporter (for the Boston Globe), Scott Spradling, political reporter (for WMUR-TV), Tom Rath, Romney for President Campaign, and Jim Demers, Obama for President campaign. This discussion was, in my opinion, one of the best thus far. The conversation began with a discussion about campaign financing and how different candidates have raised money in different ways. While one candidate can rely on large donations, there are others that remain focused on small donations via the internet.

I apologize if this message doesn't flow very well. I admit that it took me multiple times at a computer to finish it. The first half began in New Hampshire and the ending in Iowa. In the future I plan to write these in one sitting. However, we'll see if this happens. I believe all of the First in the Nation Scholars (FINS) would back me in saying, after these past two weeks, "Sometimes you just have to go with the flow."