Eric George/ FOR THE POST Congressman Ted Strickland answers a panel member's question at Sunday night's debate between him and Lt. Gov. Nancy Hollister.

The Athens community and Ohio University students got a glimpse of one of the nation's hottest campaigns last night when incumbent Congressman Ted Strickland and Lt. Gov. Nancy Hollister held a public debate.

The debate received mixed reactions from local political activists.

Ellsworth Holden, chairman of the Athens County Republican Party, said he was glad the opponents were respectful to one another and came to the debate in good will.

"(It was) a pleasure to watch them both answer the same questions," he said. "That is how you bring about the differences in their priorities."

College Democrats President Faith Dickerhoof said she was pleased with the questions proposed by the panelists.

"The journalists' questions were timely and educated," she said. "They reflected what most voters want to know."

However, Dickerhoof said she felt Hollister manipulated Strickland's message.

"Hollister consistently twisted Congressman Strickland's words to meet her own needs," she said. "She was telling people what they want to hear."

Dickerhoof said she was surprised the debate included the issue of the North American Free Trade Agreement because the candidates seemed to have been so caught up in other national issues, such as education and health care. She also said it was interesting that both candidates answered the environmental question of clean air so similarly.

Holden said he supports Hollister and agrees with her view of the role the federal government should take concerning the issue. Holden also agreed with Hollister's stance on concentrating funds on Southern Ohio road projects as opposed to Strickland's method of distributing money to multiple projects.

"Highways never get finished," Holden said. "Let's focus on completion as a key component."

Seth Greenfest, a sophomore political science major, said he felt Hollister used incorrect information in the debate. He said he thought Strickland won the debate over the federal budget surplus and the issue of reserving money for social security.

"He seemed to be taking a more democratic view and voting for the working people," he said. "Her views seem to be that people should be able to take care of themselves but she is ignoring a lot of the financial situations people are in."

But Holden said Hollister made a better connection with the audience.

"Candidate Hollister came across to the audience very well and edged out her opponent in regards to speaking to and reaching out to the audience," he said.

College Republicans President Jonathan Gormley had favorable comments about Hollister.

"I was really impressed with Hollister, and as far as Strickland - he just reaffirmed my belief that he is not the best person for this job," he said.

Gormley said he also was impressed by the student turnout for Hollister at the debate. He said he saw many students dressed in Hollister t-shirts and actively supporting her.

"The battle can be won or lost on Ohio University's campus," he said.