Students support political parties on campus

A group of eager political spokespeople pass around campaign bumper stickers, make phone calls urging support on key issues, and hold debates to get out the word of candidates. These are not just expensive lobbyists and campaign managers performing these tasks. Many students right here at IU sacrifice their free time in support of their political views. \nThe IU College Republicans and the IU College Democrats are two student run organizations that give students a chance to be involved in the political arena beyond simply pulling a lever to signify your vote. \nFor the past few weeks, while many other students were busy doing other things, members of IUCR and IUCD were vigorously campaigning for their candidates. \n"It involved a lot of campaigning, mostly door to door and telephone calls," IUCD president Daniel O'Neill said. "It's not that exciting, but it's very important stuff. Also, it's a great way to get involved in politics and actually get to know about the candidates."\nWith the majority of the seats falling into the hands of the Republican party, reactions between the two groups contrast.\n"I'm very excited with the results of the midterm elections," sophomore Matthew Stevenson, IUCR treasurer said. "I think with the changes in the Senate we'll start to start to see that body doing its job and vote on federal judicial nominations. I doubt if the power shift has a major effect on the implementation of the President's agenda. Realistically, it takes 60 votes to pass bills."\nIUCR president Angel Rivera agrees that legislation will be easier to implement.\n"We are very excited and happy about the recent elections," Rivera said. "We swept, and now we will see the republicans move along with filling court seats and proposed national defense bill to get our country protected."\nOn the other side of the spectrum, IUCD is disappointed in the election results.\n"It sucked. That's my reaction," O'Neill said. "My dad was a Monroe County Commissioner until the midterm election so it was pretty personal for me."\nIUDC attributes voter turnout to its setbacks.\n"The turnout of normally steady democrats was quite low compared to the republicans," O'Neill said. "In order to change this, the party has to form a more coherent message to sell to voters."\nWith all the stress of campaigning out of the way, both organizations are planning meetings to increase their message among students. IUCR is organizing an event featuring Indiana representative John Hosttetler as a speaker.\nRivera said IUCR is excited about the event.\n"He loves our group," Rivera said. "It's not every day you get to sit down and chit chat with a congressman."\nIn addition, IUCR will host Indiana Supreme Court chief justice Randall Sheppard next Thursday. The event has been moved to the Willkie Quad lounge because attendance is expected to be high.\n"We expect a big turnout," Rivera said. "Many professors and law students have expressed an interest. So, we'll see how that goes."\nOther proposed speakers for IUCR are Director of the Federal Office of Management and Budget Mitch Daniels and Indiana Senator Richard Lugar. \nThe IUCD will hold an organizational meeting this Sunday in which events for their upcoming year will be discussed.\nThis year both organizations plan to have a debate against each other, which is open to the public. Rivera said last year's debate on issues relating to Sept.11 sparked quite an interest. \nBut campaign buttons and phone calls aren't the only things IUCD and IUCR care about. Rivera said IUCR is not all about campaigns, but finding others with a similar interest in political issues. \n"We also do many social activities such as football games and retreats to a lake house," Rivera said. "It's a lot of fun."\nRivera also said IUCR is affiliated with many other groups. \n"The CR's are currently involved in many organizations on campus and at the state level," Rivera said. "We have members in all sorts of groups, the Indiana Federation of College Republicans, where I serve as vice president, the greek system and several academic groups such as the Pre-Law Fraternity. Our organization serves the needs of students by representing them all over campus and around the state." \nBoth organizations claim it's easy to get involved, since both want to increase membership and hear ideas. \n"Look at me," Rivera said. "I come from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and I have been an active member in the organization, which shows they are really open-minded and anyone can get involved."\nFor More Information on IU College Republicans, check out: or e-mail . For information on IU College Democrats, check out: or e-mail .