The Honors Program presented a series of four debates covering the environment, government and family life, foreign policy, and economic matters. In addition, local candidates, running for the seat in the 89th legislative district for the state House of Representatives, held an open forum to discuss issues of concern to Shippensburg citizens and students.

The national scene was well-represented as Tim Russert, James Carville, Mary Matalin, and Jeanne Shaheen visited the Cumberland Valley.

Russert, of NBC’s Face the Nation, in characteristic form left the audience wondering whose side he was on. He emphasized the importance of voting. In a direct answer to why young people should care about issues like social security, Russert gave wide-ranging examples of how they could be affected. Carville and Matalin, husband and wife political pundits, brought their particular points of view and humor to Heiges Field House. The two agreed on their passion for politics and the importance of voting.

A surprise visitor was former New Hampshire governor Jeanne Shaheen ’69, a key player in the John Kerry campaign. She discussed the November election with students and talked about her involvement with student government while a student at Ship.