With a week left until Election Day, students representing the Democratic and Republican parties debated current issues presidential candidates have been debating during the last few weeks.

Shana Harrison, president of College Democrats and senior in LAS, and Despina Batson, president of College Republicans and senior in LAS, debated their views on four categories: the economy, jobs, foreign policy, and social and domestic issues. Cynthia Schweigert, anchor for The Morning Show on WCIA 3 News, moderated the hourlong debate at the Alice Campbell Alumni Center.

Each candidate argued the ideologies of her respective political party on each issue. Harrison and Batson discussed Obamacare, the auto industry, Libya, Afghanistan and social services such as Pell grants for students.

Lucy Li, student senate committee member and freshman in LAS, said she tried to be optimistic during the debate but said she felt Batson relied too much on personal experience and not enough on facts.

“I’m irritated by the remarks of (Batson),” she said. “Much of her statements were not supported by facts or actual evidence whereas (Harrison’s) information presented was reliable, and she was legitimately informed.”

During the debate, the audience had the opportunity to tweet in questions to Schweigert, who presented them to the candidates.

Angela Karountzos, junior in LAS, said she came to the debate to hear how the two sides would represent their views on popular issues.

“You watch the presidential debates on TV and everyone is always arguing,” she said. “But this (debate) was low-key. Everyone respected each other’s opinions, and I think it was handled very well.”

The debate was co-sponsored by Illinois Connection, an advocacy network within the Alumni Association, and the Illinois Student Senate, which put together a reception offering students the opportunity to speak with local legislators.

Jordan Hughes, chairwoman for the ISS committee on community and governmental affairs and senior in AHS, coordinated the reception.

“ISS wanted to be a part of the event because we thought it was important to give students an outlet, an open forum, to discuss these issues before the election,” she said. “We thought it was important for them to be talking to other students about these issues.”

Mike Frerichs, D-52, who is running for re-election, said he was invited by the student senate and was glad meet some of his constituents.

“I applaud the two women who participated tonight because it is so hard to get up on stage in front of other people and to debate on issues,” he said. “Especially when you aren’t the candidate yourself, and you have to argue on behalf of someone else.”

Corinne can be reached at [email protected].