The University News

Issue date: 1/28/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Grant Snider

In past years the members of the UMKC College Democrats have pushed the organization aside, according to the campaign director Tyler Thompson. But not anymore.

The organization wants to raise awareness about the 2008 elections.

"The energy of the 2008 election cycle has renewed our enthusiasm in the political process," Thompson said.

They wasted no time getting started this semester. They held their first meeting Jan. 22 in Oak Street Residence Hall; they hold regular meetings every other Tuesday evening.

The College Democrats are doing more than just holding meetings. Members of the UMKC College Democrats volunteered or attended the Hillary Clinton campaign stop at William Chrisman High School in Independence, Mo. on Jan. 26 where her husband, President Bill Clinton, spoke.

"In the future we will host speakers, offer free movie screenings, attend campaign rallies, volunteer for democratic candidates and perform community service," Thompson said. "We will also have a Super Tuesday Watch-party on Feb. 5 in the University Center Mind-body Connection room 161 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. with free food and drink."

Besides the promise of free food and drink, the College Democrats are using flyers, e-mail, Facebook and most importantly, word of mouth between friends to expand their membership.

"I think that interest[s] of young voters in politics tends to increase or decrease cyclically, depending on whether they believe that they can make a difference," Thompson said. "For the first time in decades there is no incumbent President or Vice-President running for office. … Democrats have several excellent candidates for the Presidency and many of them are working to get out the youth vote."

Thompson believes young people can make a difference for the better, not only for local politics but also nationally.

"In local politics there are many close races where the actions of a committed group of volunteers like the UMKC College Democrats can decide the election," Thompson said. "On the national level the State of Missouri is a battleground state and we will do our part to make it blue."



Montgomery working to jump-start College Republicans



The UMKC College Republicans are working to rebuild the organization.

UMKC College Republican president David Montgomery took on the challenge of reestablishing balance on campus by taking over the UMKC chapter of College Republicans.

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools