St. Olaf students have front-seat view of South Carolina campaign

Obama in South Carolina
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama during a rally in Charleston, South Carolina last week. A political science student from St. Olaf College in Northfield is volunteering with the Obama campaign as part of his studies.
Richard Ellis/Getty Images

The presidential candidates are rushing to get in some last-minute campaigning ahead of this Saturday's contests.

After three major races with three different winners, Republicans are deep in a scramble to win South Carolina. The Democratic race also is unsettled, and the candidates are locked in a tight battle for Nevada.

Students in a St. Olaf College political science class have gotten an up-close look at the presidential campaign. This month, they've been volunteering for presidential candidates -- first in New Hampshire, and now in South Carolina.

MPR's Cathy Wurzer talked with two of those students. Alex Cutler is working with Democratic Sen. Barack Obama's campaign, and Matt Gallagher is working with Republican Sen. John McCain's campaign.