Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton spoke Monday morning before Political Science 205 students about state and university relations and her views on certain issues that could come into play in the Nov.. 7 elections.

Lawton said she sees the relationship between Wisconsin and its universities as “the engine for our economic growth.” She discussed both the budget and how under her and Gov. Jim Doyle’s leadership, they have more than doubled financial aid available to students.

She also addressed her confusion with the Republicans’ endless criticism towards the UW System.

“We have a constellation of 26 campuses that were established in this state at great sacrifice by our forbearers because they knew the importance of every child across the state having access to a high quality education, and never has it been more important than today,” Lawton said. “We would invite our Republican colleagues to … join us in every way that we can to bolster the strength of this proud institution.”

Lawton also talked about issues such as stem cell research, saying she is proud to be part of an administration that understands “with a great sense of urgency” the continuance to such research. She said she feels Wisconsin, home of the only national stem cell bank, has an obligation to “press ahead on research that could bring a cure” to many different diseases.

Lawton said both she and Doyle oppose the gay marriage ban.

“I believe very strongly that Wisconsin is not a state that will introduce discriminatory language into our constitution,” Lawton said.

Dennis Dresang, a professor of public affairs and political science who brought Lawton in to speak to his class for the fourth time in four years, said he brings guest speakers into his classroom to help students get a better grasp of how the textbook is applied in real life.

“They read about institutions and officials and elections in the book and that’s one way of learning but I think another way of learning is to actually see that in action and see real people and apply the generalities of the book to the specifics that you get with people,” Dresang said.

The students seemed to enjoy listening to Lawton and what she had to say, asking many questions regarding her opinions and certain issues.

Bridget Kavanaugh, a UW-Madison senior, said that even though she is a Republican and will vote as one in the upcoming election, she respected Lawton’s words.

“I’m a Republican, so it’s interesting to here from both sides and get a better perspective,” Kavanaugh said. “Kind of makes you re-think your opinion a little bit.”