Nabbing GOP votes, college style

By Andrea Ragni

Some students on campus are heating up the presidential election battle with conservatism.

With over 200 members, the Santa Clara College Republicans have been garnering votes around campus amid growing national efforts to get more college students active in political issues.

Members say during the year they work to promote the ideals and goals of the Republican party on campus.

"As a club, we strive to promote the conservative ideals, and to educate the school and neighboring communities," said senior Marie Dominguez-Gasson, president of the College Republicans and a candidate running for a state Assembly seat.

The club has facilitated voter registration booths to make sure everyone is registered. On campus they are working with the College Democrats to try and organize an upcoming debate.

The club's presence was ubiquitous last spring, and although they have not been as prominent this year, they are still extremely busy in the weeks leading up to the presidential election.

Every week the club sponsors a different event like the recent walk to support President Bush's reelection campaign.

The group has also been helping Dominguez-Gasson in her effort to be elected to the California state Assembly.

One of the major issues that the club strives to promote is youth education. Members work to break the stereotypes of conservatism by informing students of the very important issues that Republicans support. Dominguez-Gasson acknowledges that it is hard to encourage people to be conservative, especially college students. Educating students, she says, is the first step to understanding their world.

"I feel like not enough young people take interest in politics," senior and club Vice President Susan Anderson, said. ""Politicians don't target youth issues, and that's a big problem," she said. "The more students that get out and vote, the more voices of young Americans will count."

"Living in California for most of my life, I was influenced by relatives and even teachers that Democrat is the way to go," freshman Andrea Justo, a member of College Republicans, said. "But out of anger towards their propaganda, I began to question their beliefs, pressuring them into debates. I looked at the values of religion and the values deeply held by our Founding Fathers. These are the values that resemble that of the Republican Party ... These are the values that I hold."

Senior Justin Hammer said the reason in which he decided to become involved in the club was that he wanted to make a difference and help students become aware of the ideals set forth by the College Republicans. Hammer says that he loves to communicate with other students about political issues.

Anderson said that it was her father's influence that made her join College Republicans.

"My father is a retired Marine Core Colonel, so I always wanted to be involved in some way," she said. "(College Republicans) is my way of getting involved. It's my niche."

Whatever the reason for involvement, members find the outcome worthwhile. The College Republicans encourage all interested students to take a step in the right direction and learn what they can do to promote their personal ideals.

The College Republicans meet every Monday at 6:30 p.m. in downstairs Benson. They encourage anyone interested to attend their meetings where they discuss events, plans and the ideals of their club, and work to become informed members of society.

*Contact Andrea Ragni at (408) 554-4546 or aragni@scu.edu.