With only 48 hours remaining in the election, candidates Neil Riser and Vance McAllister came to the university for the final debate of the race.

Sue Nicholson, president of the Monroe Chamber of Commerce, served as moderator for the event. A panel of local figures, including SGA President Jana Robinson, asked questions.

“We came up with the questions as a panel, and quite a few asked were my own,” Robinson said.

Questions covered a wide variety of topics, including the Affordable Health Care Act and higher education funding. Candidates were given 90 seconds to answer and a chance to rebuttal.

“The most important issue in my opinion is balancing the budget, which is why it was a big question,” Robinson said.

Students attended the event to learn more about the candidates before making their final decision when voting. Nicolas Rose, a freshman political science major, believes that Vance McAllister won the debate.

“I think they’re both great candidates, but I agree more with McAllister. Unlike Riser he doesn’t have a strong conservative stance. He seems like he is more willing to communicate with the other party,” Rose said.

Rose was glad to see SGA sponsor such an important event on campus. Rose hopes to see more involvement from the university and student body when concerning political debates and forums.

Amanda Reed, a junior political science major, found the debate interesting and was happy with many of the topics covered. Reed enjoyed hearing the candidates’ stances on energy, the NSA and national security.

“Overall it was very good. I can’t say who won because they agreed on a lot, but it was very interesting. I liked McAllister, not because he had different views, but because he seemed more honest,” Reed said

Reed was impressed with McAllister’s attitude towards his opponent. According to Reed he complimented Riser and acknowledged his good ideas.

“I liked that when they talked about raising the debt ceiling, McAllister admitted that he couldn’t promise anything. That honesty is very important,” Reed said.

Both candidates expressed thanks to the students and other audience members, encouraging the younger attendees to vote.

“It’s great to see a lot of young people here, being involved. That’s something you don’t see a lot of anymore, young people being interested in politics and getting involved,” Riser said.

Robinson hoped that this event would help students make a well-informed choice when visiting the polls.

“It’s important as SGA to give students a chance to see the candidates and really get to know them.” Robinson said.

The voting took place on Saturday.