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The 2012 Republican presidential contendersThe 2012 Republican primary contenders in a June, 2011 debate at Saint Anselm College.
Students stand in for a debate rehearsalStudents enjoy behind-the-scenes access to many NHIOP events, including debates.
President Fr. Jonathan DeFelice, O.S.B., welcomed democratic candidates to the college in 2007
A candidate meets the press after a debateInternational media attention is focused on Saint Anselm during the New Hampshire Primary.
Gov. Romney and Congressman RyanGov. Romney and Congressman Ryan appeared at Saint Anselm in August, 2012 for a town hall meeting.
Students work with CNNStudents can work with campaigns, and the media through the NHIOP.
President Bill Clinton at Saint Anselm CollegePresident Clinton spoke at the college in 2007 to thousands of City Year conference attendees

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College Ranked as Most Popular NH Stop for Presidential Candidates

August 19, 2015

Katelyn Ellison
Communications Specialist
New Hampshire Institute of Politics
(603) 222-4115

Saint Anselm College has been buzzing with political activity and is sure to see much more in the coming year, which is why it's unsurprising that U.S. News & World Report ranked the college as the most popular New Hampshire venue for presidential candidates. The article discusses top campaign spots in Iowa, South Carolina and New Hampshire; Saint Anselm was also highlighted as the most popular college in the state.

Voters First Forum
In early August, Saint Anselm College hosted the Voters First Forum. The Forum, sponsored by The New Hampshire Union Leader, The Post and Courier (Charleston, S.C.), The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA), iHeart Radio, KCRG-TV (Cedar Rapids, IA) and WLTX-TV (Columbia, S.C.), included fourteen Republican candidates who spoke to a packed theater of interested voters.

Additional Events
The New Hampshire Institute of Politics series, Politics & Eggs, conducted in partnership with The New England Council, has been in full swing. Since January 2014, 14 current presidential candidates have participated, beginning with Donald Trump. More recent attendees include Senator Rand Paul, Dr. Ben Carson, Governor Bobby Jindal, and Governor Chris Christie.

Inside the Classroom
This year, Saint Anselm College also announced a new partnership with The George Washington University that will give students the unique opportunity to participate in an interactive class on politics and elections. Through this course, taught by Professor Chris Galdieri, students will see a primary in action, engage with political practitioners, and study presidential nomination politics.

Presidential Debates
In addition, Saint Anselm holds a long record of hosting presidential debates. The college held its first Democratic debate in 1984. Debates were also held at Saint Anselm in 1988, 1992, 1996, 2004, 2008, and 2012.

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