Gov. Mitt Romney Hosts Town Hall Meeting at Saint Anselm

In the midst of midterm examinations, and with a student body anxious to return home for fall break, Saint Anselm students joined with members of the public this morning to attend a question and answer period with Republican Presidential candidate Gov. Mitt Romney.

The New Hampshire Institute of Politics auditorium was transformed for the town-hall style session, with Romney positioned in the midst of at least four different classes of students. In the rear of the room, press risers were filled with journalists from local newspapers, regional television stations, and the national media. Carl Cameron of Fox News was stationed outside the NHIOP all morning, utilizing the parking lot as a temporary television studio for reports from New Hampshire.

Students took center stage all morning as New Hampshire Institute of Politics Student Ambassadors were on hand to greet Gov. Romney as he arrived in a motorcade shortly before 10 a.m. Once inside, Romney was introduced to the crowd by Greg Wallace ‘10. During the question and answer period, Gov. Romney took several questions from students of varying majors who attended the forum. Several staff members on the Romney campaign who attended the event were also familiar faces to the Saint Anselm campus, as a number of current staff members are also college alumni.

Following another question and answer session with the assembled media outside the front entrance to the NHIOP, Romney caught a number of students off guard as he passed through the cafe as he headed for the motorcade to his next event.

Taking the moment in stride, two lunching students captured the attention of the governor, obtaining a quick handshake before the candidate and campaign staff departed.

Media Coverage: WMUR TV (ABC) | WBZ-TV (CBS) | NECN | Boston Globe | Associated Press | YouTube | Photos on Flickr

Credits: Photos by Alex Witkowicz ‘08. Podcast production assistance provide by Lauren Weybrew ‘08.