Supporters of ‘My Man Mitch’ to tailgate

Campaigners for Gov. Mitch Daniels will be tailgating to celebrate IU Homecoming this Saturday at Memorial Stadium. \nDaniels has traveled to numerous Indiana college campuses in this RV, hoping to connect with student voters. The Hoosier-built RV One will be arriving around 8 a.m.\n“We’re really just out there to be seen, let everyone know that the governor is running for re-election and that he is still interested in statewide issues,” said Mike Sullivan, the RV’s driver. \nWhile Daniels will not be in attendance due to his schedule, his representatives say they are trying to work around his agenda for their next tailgate at IU. RV One plans to return for the IU-Ball State game on Nov. 3 and the IU-Purdue game on Nov. 17. \nDaniels hopes to illustrate his focus on Indiana issues, while still concentrating on the nation as a whole, Sullivan said.\n“I think it’s a great opportunity for students to spend one-on-one time talking with him,” said Joseph DeJean, vice president of Indiana University Student Association. “It’s an informal setting (where) he can get to know the students.” \nIndiana firefighters will be grilling burgers and other free food. RV-One is known for people signing the side of the vehicle to show support for Daniels. Voter registration forms for students and petition forms for the primary ballot will be handed out Saturday. \nHowever, results at the voting polls are what Daniels’ campaigners are hoping to get from this tailgate. \nProfessor David Boeyink surveyed his Foundations of Journalism and Mass Communications class Wednesday to get student feedback.\nIn the class of 96 students, 40 believed the setting is inappropriate due to the excessive alcohol consumption generally associated with tailgating. However, 51 students thought it would be an influential tactic for increasing votes. \n“I think it’s kind of a joke,” freshman Mark Bookwalt said. “If I were running, I wouldn’t be hanging out at college campuses. College-aged people don’t really go out to the voting polls anyway.” \nRegardless of the responses, RV One and Daniels’ crew will be tailgating this Saturday. \n“We’ll stay until the food runs out and the crowd thins,” Sullivan said. “The student reception to us was great last time at IU. So I’d say, so far, I’m looking forward to returning.”