The Department of Political Science, Public Administration and Philosophy held a watch party for Indiana’s final gubernatorial debate Thursday in Kleymeyer Hall. Pizza and refreshments were provided to attendees. 

Matt Hanka, professor of political science, said he wanted students to know the candidates running for state governor and the problems Indiana faces, as it is not discussed on a national level. 

He said he wants students to gain “a better understanding of state government.”

The debate was an hour long and broadcast through the Indiana Debate Commission. It was the final debate voters could watch to see the candidates discuss policies and issues. 

The debate was moderated by Laura Wilson, professor of political science at the University of Indianapolis. 

The topics that drove the debate included property taxes, cannabis use, economic development, energy and public safety. 

In their closing remarks, all three candidates mentioned that Indiana needs a good leader to represent them, and they were the solution to the problem. 

During the closing statements, Mike Braun, representing the Republican Party, mentioned his experience as a U.S. senator and what he brings to the table.

“Knowing what it takes to get along, building a business, getting things done in a limited time, I have got the record,” Braun said. “Neither one here has it.”

Jennifer McCormick, representing the Democratic Party, said Indiana needs someone who will represent the people and the state.

“It’s about someone who will fight for your freedoms,” she said. “Someone who will build our economy strong and who will represent us well on the national stage and not be an embarrassment.”

Donald Rainwater, representing the Libertarian Party, said the people’s vote is needed for him to represent the people. 

He expressed that he has fought hard to be where he is today and rebuilt his life into something he is proud of. Rainwater went on to say that he was able to become accomplished without the government “lording over” him. 

Fouad Hamami, senior political science major, said he looked for the topic of “brain drain,” which has negatively impacted Indiana.

“We’re educating people in Indiana and people leaving it,” Hamani said. “That’s something I’m fairly passionate about, and none of them really had a strong answer for how we’re going to fix that.”

He said the candidates mentioned trying to bring back jobs and educate students for more jobs before actually obtaining the job, but Hamani doesn’t think that will actually happen.

Joseph Gardener, senior political science major, said he was disappointed in the performance of his favored candidate, McCormick. He said there were no clear views of any policies from any candidate.

Gardener also shared the same sentiment with Hamami about the ongoing “brain drain” in Indiana. 

“The big thing that I’m concerned about is how to keep a lot of jobs from leaving Indiana and how to keep our graduates in Indiana because we have a very big brain drain problem,” he said. “We have a hard time providing salaries high enough to keep our graduates in Indiana and providing enough higher educated workforces to keep people in Indiana.”

Samantha Fleischaker, junior political science and philosophy double major, said it was interesting to listen to the values of each candidate. Because she lives in Indiana, hearing the different perspectives of the candidates was important. 

She also mentioned that McCormick and Braun were “jabbing at each other.”

“Since it was a more local thing in comparison to the presidential debate, I thought it was going to be a lot more peaceful,” she said. “And I was really surprised by how kind of attackful she was towards him.

Election Day is Nov 5. Polls will open at 6 a.m. and close at 6 p.m.