The University hosted its 17th mock political convention on April 20.
Following University tradition, the presidential candidates up for consideration were the two who were on the ballot for “Super Tuesday” – former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and former president Donald Trump.
Students at Saint Francis first staged a mock national convention in 1960. The event has become a campus tradition held every four years for the party not in office.
After a yield from the chair of California, Trump jumped out to an early lead last weekend. By the time North Dakota’s delegates had voted, it looked like a clear victory for the 45th president. But then, the tide started turning for Haley.
With live counts on the screen, it became apparent to attendees that it was anyone’s race. After all of California’s 169 votes were awarded to Haley, the former South Carolina governor finished with 1,192 votes.
It wasn’t enough. Trump maintained his lead and won by 45 votes, 1,237 to 1,192.
After Trump secured the presidential nomination, it was time to nominate and select a vice presidential nominee. The three nominees were Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH), and Libertarian candidate and activist Vermin Supreme. After a close voice vote, Vance captured the nomination.
Professor of Political Science Joe Melusky, lead organizer of the event, said it was the closest SFU convention yet in both the presidential and vice presidential votes.
The mock convention is designed to resemble a national party convention in every way. Students, faculty, staff and members of the surrounding community serve as campaign managers, state delegation chairpersons and delegates.
In 1960, University students selected Adlai Stevenson as the Democratic presidential nominee and John F. Kennedy as the vice presidential nominee. Since then, the students of Saint Francis have correctly predicted the presidential nominee in seven out of the 15 mock conventions (and three of the last four).
Guest speakers at last week’s event included Pennsylvania State Rep. Lou Schmitt, former Pennsylvania State Sen. John Eichelberger, Cambria County Commissioner Scott Hunt, former Huntingdon County Commissioner Bill Hoover and former Chairman of the Republican Party of Pennsylvania Rob Gleason.
Hoover is the father of SFU head track and field and cross country coach Doug Hoover.
