The University held a gubernatorial debate on campus Wednesday and voters in attendance said the event proved influential.
The Bo Campbell Auditorium in the Cox Communications Academic Center saw an audience exceeding 70 people, ranging in age from University students to baby boomers.
Justin Poshedly, history freshman, attended the debate. The registered Democrat said the event changed his mind and his vote.
“I came to the event with Deaton in mind,” Poshedly said. “He’s an experienced LSU alumnus and I think he’ll look out for south TOPS.”
Education appeared to be at the top of many attendees’ lists in terms of importance.
Tenika James, Baton Rouge resident, said the debate strengthened her confidence in Androniki “Niki Bird” Papazoglakis, D-Baton Rouge.
“Her approach to education is great and she has real answers to solve problems facing Louisiana,” James said.  
While positions on topics like education, welfare and taxes varied among candidates, opinions of current Gov. Bobby Jindal were unanimous.
A chair with a sign reserving its occupancy for Jindal remained vacant at the debate.
Candidate Lenny Bollingham, I-Baton Rouge, commented on Jindal’s absence, saying “He’s not tardy, he’s not in attendance. He gets an ‘F’ for attendance.”
A spokesman for Jindal said the governor did not attend because he will only participate in debates that are televised statewide.
 
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Contact Josh Naquin at [email protected]