CU groups plunge into politics

By CHRISTINE GALT
Assistant News Editor

Politics is not a high priority on many college students’ lists of activities, but there are two groups on campus that consider political awareness a necessity. The College Democrats and College Republicans have kept political activism alive and well with their involvement on local campaigns and presence at student gatherings.

“Showing others that we care enough about them, ourselves and our country to take the time to educate people on who is running, I think shows a lot,” said Kim Martin, Business senior and College Republicans member.

The College Republicans have helped with the local elections by supporting Rep. Lee Terry as well as other Republican candidates and organizing Operation Uplink, which bought phone cards for service men and women overseas.

“We have a larger organization and presence on campus just because we are involved in more than campaigning,” said College Republicans president and Business junior Brandon Kenig. “We try to be all-encompassing and connect students with issues throughout the year, not just in November.”

This November, the College Republicans will be backing Pete Ricketts for U.S. senator from Nebraska while the College Democrats support Sen. Ben Nelson. The Democrats have aided Nelson in his campaign throughout the year, as well as co-hosting a women’s event with the Lieben Center.

“We will be hosting more on-campus events dealing with issues pertinent to democrats,” said College Democrats President Jason Weiers, Business junior. “We are hoping to have Mayor Mike Fahey speak about development around the area.”

The main goal of both groups has been to get students active in the community and to raise political awareness in general, Weiers said.

“Politics really affects everything in our lives,” Weiers said. “It’s important for anybody who wants to be intellectual. It can relate to just about anything.”

The College Republicans meet at 6 p.m. on the first and third Thursday of every month in the Business Administration building in room 309. The College Democrats meet at 8 p.m. on Monday nights in BA 216.