2008 Woodie Awards
Political climate: College Democrats vs. College Republicans
Online exclusive
Patrick Cooney
Issue date: 9/7/07 Section: News
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The political climate of Saint Louis University is heating up as the age-old rivalry between College Republicans and College Democrats reawakens this year. With the presidential primaries looming in the not-too-distant future, College Democrats and College Republicans assembled this week. The groups sought to recruit new members and welcome old ones back to the fold, while increasing their respective influence and activity on campus. As elections move ever closer, there has been a push on both sides of the aisle to engage students and become involved in policy-making at the local, state, and federal levels.
The College Democrats meeting on Tuesday night began with an introduction of its 2007-2008 staff. Afterward, there were small group discussions concerning each member's ideal candidate for the presidency and possible goals for College Democrats this year. Then Keith Tubbs, a representative for the Jay Nixon gubernatorial campaign, gave a brief talk about young people becoming involved in upcoming races. Students were reminded that as November approaches, more and more candidates will be looking for youth involvement in their campaigns, and this year provides an excellent opportunity to get their involved for the first time.
The College Republicans' meeting on Tuesday followed a similar format, with introductions from staff members and a brief discussion concerning presidential hopefuls. To conclude, Shamed Dogan, a Republican candidate for the Missouri legislature, addressed the group.
"Support candidates who share their beliefs, fight for causes they believe in, and most importantly, vote this November," said Dogan about what students could do to get involved in politics.
The College Democrats plan to begin the year focusing on local and state politics, while keeping an eye on higher-profile races in the coming weeks and months.
"We are hoping to register more people to vote in the state of Missouri," said Jack Coatar, president of College Democrats. "A lot of students don't realize that they can even register as a Missouri voter, and many are disinterested because they do not think Missouri politics affect them. But since they live here nine months out of the year, it really does affect their life."
The College Democrats meeting on Tuesday night began with an introduction of its 2007-2008 staff. Afterward, there were small group discussions concerning each member's ideal candidate for the presidency and possible goals for College Democrats this year. Then Keith Tubbs, a representative for the Jay Nixon gubernatorial campaign, gave a brief talk about young people becoming involved in upcoming races. Students were reminded that as November approaches, more and more candidates will be looking for youth involvement in their campaigns, and this year provides an excellent opportunity to get their involved for the first time.
The College Republicans' meeting on Tuesday followed a similar format, with introductions from staff members and a brief discussion concerning presidential hopefuls. To conclude, Shamed Dogan, a Republican candidate for the Missouri legislature, addressed the group.
"Support candidates who share their beliefs, fight for causes they believe in, and most importantly, vote this November," said Dogan about what students could do to get involved in politics.
The College Democrats plan to begin the year focusing on local and state politics, while keeping an eye on higher-profile races in the coming weeks and months.
"We are hoping to register more people to vote in the state of Missouri," said Jack Coatar, president of College Democrats. "A lot of students don't realize that they can even register as a Missouri voter, and many are disinterested because they do not think Missouri politics affect them. But since they live here nine months out of the year, it really does affect their life."
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