Programs and Events 2008
Ambassador Barbara Barrett spoke to Helsinki University students and others about U.S. elections
Ambassador Barbara Barrett spoke to Helsinki University students and others on Oct. 10 about U.S. elections. Her speech title was "Running for Public Office in the United States: One Candidate's Experience". She discussed some practical aspects of campaigning from the importance of name recognition to the logistics of setting up a campaign office, and from teaching children about democracy to the role of international election observers. The Ambassador’s remarks were greeted enthusiastically and prompted lively questions on leadership, energy, sustainable development and U.S. voting procedures. Ambassador Barrett, who arrived in Finland in May 2008, was the first Republican woman to run for Governor in the State of Arizona.