"The Presidency, the Senate and the House are all up for grabs," he reminded them.

Rick Davis, a former campaign aide to Sen. John S. McCain (R-Ariz.) and an ubiquitous campus presence since he became an IOP fellow this fall, reminded students that voter registration does not necessarily predict voter turnout and urged students to go to the polls.

"The establishment won't listen to you unless you speak," he said, adding that less than one third of eligible 18 to 24-year-olds actually vote.

"Do what you can to change the system or it will run right over you. Believe me, I've got the tire tracks on my back."

Although the event did not officially endorse any candidate, some speakers revealed their partisan colors.

"I was amazed by [Saturday night's] Miss America competition," Kerry said at one point. "These women, from all 51 states, all from different races, creeds, and backgrounds, shared one thing in common: They all had a better understanding of the issues than George W. Bush."

IOP student advisory committee members said they were pleased by the event's turnout.