College Republicans focus on 2008

By Brad Fischer

Published Sept. 7, 2007

With the 2008 election campaigns underway the MU College Republicans are beginning to gear up for the political season.

The group held its first meeting of the year on Wednesday night in Memorial Union with an emphasis on the need for student involvement in the political process.

"We have a lot to look forward to and a lot of work ahead of us," College Republicans President Jordan Clementi said. "We, as College Republicans, can definitely make a difference."

Rep. Ed Robb, R-Columbia, and Lieutenant Gov. Peter Kinder's campaign manager, Jerry Dowell, were on hand as guest speakers.

Robb said the Republican Party strives to make the government smaller.

"The government has gone way too far in providing services that might much better be provided by the private sector," Robb said. "Republicans believe much more sincerely in individual responsibility than most people."

Robb also reiterated the need for students to help in the 2008 Republican presidential campaigns.

"We have lots of good candidates," Robb said. "We're in a really good position, but if you don't work like the rabid fanatics that you can be, you will wake up one year from November and see Hilary Clinton as commander in chief."

Dowell spoke about the changing nature of political campaigns and the need for student involvement. He said Kinder is using a new Internet-based approach to campaigning.

Blunt's director of scheduling Kristen Blanchard was also in attendance to sign up volunteers to help in his re-election campaign.

College Republicans Vice President Marcus Bowen said the MU chapter of College Republicans is one of the biggest in the state. About 30 students attended Wednesday's meeting.

Bowen said the group has been in contact with all of the declared Republican presidential candidates' campaigns.

"They have all agreed to supply our organization with materials," he said.

The group also made some final preparations for its annual remembrance of the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The group plans to put miniature American flags on Carnahan Quadrangle.

In a change from past years' events, the group will not play host to a candlelight vigil. This year, the group will have a camcorder set up where students can record a message to the troops overseas. The videos will be put on YouTube.com for military personnel to view.