U.S. Representative Heather Wilson, R-N.M., campaigned for Republican presidential nominee Senator John McCain in Hanover on Friday, emphasizing the importance of each individual's vote in what she believes will be a close election.
Wilson, a New Hampshire native, met with about 30 voters-- primarily senior citizens -- at Everything But Anchovies Friday afternoon. She drew several chuckles from the crowd, but maintained a generally sober air during her half-hour speech.
"There have been times I've disagreed with McCain's policies, but I've always known that he's doing what he's doing because he honestly thinks it's the best thing for the country," Wilson said. She added that she has gotten to know McCain during her 10 years in Congress, and commented on his dedication to improving the country.
Wilson pointed out that McCain's opponent, Democratic presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama, lacks the experience necessary for the job.
"We don't know who Obama is," she said. "A major party hasn't put forward a candidate who is that inexperienced in almost a century."
The country needs to choose a president who can not only solve the country's current problems, Wilson said, but also the unforeseeable problems that lie over the horizon.
"That's where wisdom comes in," she said. "There is a difference between intelligence and wisdom, and that difference is experience. McCain has that experience and he has the scars to prove it."
Discussing the candidates' differing positions on the economy, Wilson said the government has a spending problem that McCain hopes to fix.
"Obama wants to raise spending, raise taxes and redistribute wealth, a recipe for economic stagnation," Wilson said. "Obama said that it's better that we spread the wealth around. But it's not the government's money -- it's your money."
Asked about the disparity in funds spent by the McCain and Obama campaign, Wilson expressed concerns over the Democratic party's spending, likening Obama's campaign to "buying the election."
In an interview with The Dartmouth, Wilson said that the state of the economy and the job market should be of the utmost concern for college students.
"You guys are going to be out in the job market in two or three years, and you don't want to have to go back and live at home and rely on your parents," she said. "We need a strong, growing economy so there will be jobs out there for all of you."
Wilson ended her speech by asking the audience to think of three friends or relatives who remained undecided about the election.
"Make sure you talk to them, and make sure they go out and vote on Tuesday," she said. "Talk to them because they're your friends and talk to them because this country matters."
The event was organized by Lud Flower, chairman of the Grafton County Republican Committee, who introduced Wilson to the audience. Flower emphasized the importance of the final days leading up to the Nov. 4 election.
"There is no time like this time," he said. "The next four days is it. It's a hare's breath of difference here in New Hampshire."
Jen Bandy '09, president of the Dartmouth College Republicans who was unable to attend the event, said Wilson could help sway New Hampshire libertarians, many of whom are still undecided.
"Those libertarians are the independents we're looking to capture," she said. "McCain is trying to let people know that he would be a good representative for New Hampshire voters. As a native of New Hampshire, Wilson is returning and basically saying, 'I have worked with McCain and he not only represents those voters in Arizona, but he will represent all the voters in the state of New Hampshire as well.'"
Greg Boguslavsky '09, chair of the New Hampshire College Republicans and co-chair of New Hampshire Students for John McCain, said Wilson's strengths lie in her ability to speak personally about McCain's record and experience.