Hofstra campus abuzz as gubernatorial debate kicks off

After days of preparation by university officials and the candidates, the campus of Hofstra University buzzed with anticipation Monday night as some 1,500 onlookers, media, and campaign staff gathered to watch New York's candidates for governor square off.

As the 7 p.m. start time neared, hundreds of supporters of Attorney General Andrew Cuomo clogged the north side of Hempstead Turnpike. Many blew whistles and a few played bagpipes as about a dozen supporters of Buffalo businessman Carl Paladino came into view.

The Paladino people, some clad in clothes emblazoned with "Don't Tread on Me," marched by with their signs in the air. Jeers and boos were lobbed from both sides, but no projectiles.

A few blocks farther north, outside the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex, the site of the debate and the center of the state's political universe for the night, students and alumni waited in a line that snaked out to a parking lot. Right in front was Allison Dersch, 33, of Brooklyn, who graduated from Hofstra Law School last year.

"I want to see a lot of interaction between the candidate who favors legalizing prostitution and gay marriage, and the Green Party candidate," she said. "I would like to see them speak and not get shut out by the two main party candidates."

Roughly 30 spots back in line was David Zuniga, 19, who stood with three other students. The chairman of Hofstra GOP, Zuniga, of West Palm Beach, Fla., pronounced himself "anti-Cuomo enough to be pro-Paladino," and said he was hoping for a night of serious discussion.

"I would like for the candidates to have a respectful tone and not engage in the mudslinging we've seen in the last few weeks," Zuniga said.

Just Saturday, the sports complex was being used for basketball, university officials said, and turning the massive space into a debate arena had meant days of furious work.

"We haven't really slept so much," said Melissa Connolly, the school's vice president for university relations, on Monday. "We've all been basically working around the clock."

About 2 p.m., a crew of about 50, many of whom had gotten up at 4 a.m. to ready the hall, was busy setting up sound and lighting equipment, and tables and chairs. Several planned to work through the debate and then help break down the scene, meaning they wouldn't get off work until 2 or 3 a.m.

Third-year Hofstra law student Ben Doyle of Hempstead was among the workers. Doyle had a class Monday night and wasn't going to be able to watch the debate, which was a disappointment, but he was glad to be taking part in preparations.

"It brings the prestige," Doyle, 25, said of the event's impact on the university. "It's big in the law school class; people are happy it's here."

Samantha Chichester, an 18-year-old freshman from Albany, helped usher in about 300 reporters and photographers, several representing overseas outlets, including Japan and Italy. The political science and journalism student, who supports Libertarian candidate for governor Warren Redlich, said she was "extremely excited" to be involved.

"I do think politics is relevant to someone my age," she said. "I do care. I wanted to check out the candidates and help my school."