Students, Kaitlyn Garvey of Virginia Beach, Va. and Alexander Flores of Los Angeles, Calif., both feel strongly that improvements need to be made regarding the economy.

Flores, a senior at George Mason University, majoring in government and international politics, is impacted by the economic downturn. Flores works as a waiter at Brion’s Grille, a local college restaurant and bar. “The economy is obviously in a recession. As a waiter you see the amount of tips you receive. Lately I am receiving about 10 to 12 percent in tips instead of the usual 20 percent,” he said,.

“Now because of the economy I only go out once a week, I used to be able go out at least three times a week,” Flores said.

Garvey, also a senior at GMU, majoring in government and international politics is mainly affected by the economy regarding the high gas prices.

Although the economy impacts Flores and Garvey differently, they both agreed the economic bailout bill recently passed in order to help individual investors and small companies will not help.

“I think that the bailout is only going to help for a short amount of time before the prices begin to rise again and the economy is in a worse state. The bailout is a temporary fix that is going to do more damage than it is going to help,” said Garvey.

Flores also agreed, “I believe that the bailout bill is a quick fix. There are many aspects of the economy that need fixing The bill will help, but it is not enough.”“The economy is going to be a huge factor in this election. The next president is really going to have to prove to this generation that (he isn’t) going to let our economy fail anymore than it has,” Garvey said.

Carrie Meyer, professor at GMU’s economic department said each of the candidates have different economic philosophies. “McCain’s plan is skewed toward the rich. McCain would not tax the rich as much. Obama wants to do more to help the middle class, (he wants to) extend health care to the middle class. Obama appeals to young voters, but it may not be due to his economic plans,” Meyer said.

Although the economy is important to Flores he has decided not to vote. He does not agree with either of the candidates and does not like the electoral system, because it is based on the Electoral College instead of popular votes.

“The economy will most definitely affect who I vote for. If the economy was to crash due to lack of responsibility and awareness on the president's side, and I voted for that person, I would be ashamed. Our economy needs to remain the top in the world. We need to stop being so dependent on foreign countries, and become more independent without being an isolated country.” Garvey said.

Garvey has decided to vote for McCain. “I trust John McCain more when it comes to the economy, I just feel as if he will be more responsible with our economy,” she said.

Both Garvey and Flores agreed that the candidates have their work cut out for them.