State officials speak at callout

The IU College Republicans brought in some big-name speakers for their spring callout meeting.

Indiana Superintendent of Public Education Dr. Tony Bennett, State Treasurer Richard Mourdock and former U.S. Senate candidate Don Bates Jr. spoke to the crowd about current issues and the importance of political involvement.

“We need you to be out there on the street corner talking about why Reagan Republicanism can save the world,” Bates said.

Bates used his own tale of running for U.S. Senate against the seemingly undefeatable former Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., as an inspirational tale to encourage people to be politically involved.

“How many of us would be able to proudly declare we’re Republicans?” Bates said. “Don’t be ashamed to tell people across the campus at IU that you are part of the College Republicans.”

Bennett praised Gov. Mitch Daniels for his education reforms. He said Indiana is a national role model for education reform.

“We must make sure the children of our state have the opportunity to compete for spots in this university or any university in the nation on an equal playing field,” Bennett said. “We have to make sure students in Indiana high schools walk out of high school ready to go anywhere.”

Mourdock spoke about the importance of IU College Republicans to stay energized after the 2010 elections, especially in traditionally liberal Bloomington.

“It’s another election year,” Mourdock said. “I hope you all get just as energized here in Bloomington. I know it’s always an incredibly uphill fight, but get involved. It doesn’t mean it’s not worth fighting.”

President of IU College Republicans Connor Caudill said the main point of having the speakers was name recognition.

“We’re just really trying to get people plugged in and involved with Indiana politics,” Caudill said. “To have two state officials and a former U.S. Senate candidate in the room is pretty cool.”