Debate doesn't change minds
After speeches, students still plan on voting for their party
Alison Pelleymounter
Issue date: 10/18/04 Section: Campus News
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Feingold was preceded on stage by his challenger, Republican businessman Tim Michels, who received quieter support than the incumbent from the crowd of about 750.
"This is a testament to the great American process taking place," Michels said of the third of six Senate debates, the only one to be held in western Wisconsin.
Questions during the debate ranged from national security to rural revitalization. Michels stressed the difference between the candidates' messages on the issues.
"The people of Wisconsin are going to have a great responsibility to make a polarized choice," he said.
Senior Travis Welke asked the candidates during the debate where they stood on the issue of gay marriage.
Feingold, who has held the Senate seat since 1992, said he does not support amending the U.S. Constitution to ban gay marriage, and he believes it is each state's decision to make.
"We are a better community if all people are welcome as friends," Feingold said.
Michels said he would support the amendment to keep marriage between a man and woman.
"I believe in traditional family values," he said.
Welke said he had made up his mind to vote for Feingold before attending the debate and shares the senator's views on the topic.
"He's supportive of people's basic rights," Welke said.
Freshman Andrew Kubiatowicz said he also had decided whom to support before Saturday night.
"I really like that (Michels) served in our military and his views on the military," Kubiatowicz said.
Michels served for 12 years as an Army Ranger infantry officer, and he said he is proud of the American soldiers serving overseas. On the question of preemptive strikes, Michels said he believes invading Iraq was an appropriate action.