Junior Kristen Howard, a director of political affairs for the student government association, says the candidates realize the importance of attracting both black voters and young voters.

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The competition is hosted by the Michigan Interactive Investments club and sponsored by Humdoozy, Peak6, Longbow Research, Morningstar, Grosvenor Capital Management, Tappan Street Partners and the Student Government Association at the Ross School of Business.

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Its absence "definitely hurts, " said Marissa West, president-elect of the university's student-government association.

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At the time, Kodiak High School was hosting an Alaska Association of Student Government meeting involving youths from around the state.

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Steep increases in college costs are to blame for the student-loan debt burden, and most student loans are now made by the government, says Richard Hunt, president of the Consumer Bankers Association, a private lenders' industry group.

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