MPE's impresario pleased with result

By Alex Johnson

After WIU’s first-ever Mock Presidential Election, event organizer and political science department chair Richard Hardy is happy with how the event turned out.

“It went very well,” said Hardy. “Measuring from the number of students participating and the quality of events, I was quite pleased.”

Hardy, who organized a similar event at the University of Missouri while teaching there in 1987, was hoping this year’s run served more than one purpose.

“Being from Iowa, (I) know all eyes are on (the Iowa caucuses),” Hardy said of the real nomination process. “We went before the caucuses there to draw attention and get students excited for the real thing in January.

“The proof is in whether or not students will engage,” he continued, “At the very minimum just getting students to vote.”

While Hardy was satisfied with how the initial run at Western went, others pointed out problems with the event, specifically an editorial that ran in the Western Courier Nov. 7 giving both pros and cons of the event.

“There were always be critics,” Hardy said. “I’ve always considered the belief you have to be involved (to be critical). You can’t be a mechanic by looking at a book. You have to open the hood and get your hands dirty.”

Hardy also keyed on the benefit of the event in the classroom, saying that it “dovetailed nicely with learning.”

One thing Hardy did want to clear up is those who question the accuracy of the event, after Illinois junior Senator Barack Obama romped to a win, garnering 506 electoral votes.

“As I looked at (the results), those votes were a lot closer,” said Hardy. “For example, one state had 17 votes for Obama, 15 for (Republican candidate Rudy) Giuliani, two for the Green and one for another party.

“The popular vote was much closer (than the electoral). Our system magnifies winning. We could have used proportional voting, but that’s not the way we do it. It is winner take all.”

Hardy also wanted to credit those who spent countless hours helping to organize and participate in the event.

“I appreciate the support from President (Al) Goldfarb, Dean (Inessa) Levi and all faculty that assisted,” said Hardy.

Hardy said that he would like to do the event every four years to give all students a chance to participate in it. At the moment, though, he is looking forward to a break.

“I’m worn out,” Hardy said, laughing. “I’ve lost a lot of sleep during the process.”