2008 Woodie Awards
2 parties on campus: College Dems, Republicans prepare for election '08
Drew T. Dorner
Issue date: 8/31/07 Section: Front Page
Despite the fact Election Day 2008 is one year, two months and eight days away, political groups on campus are already gearing up for what is considered to be an exciting battle for the White House.
Students and professors alike are already noticing differences in the political environment on Miami University's campus.
"I've observed the folks in the College Republicans and College Democrats, and they tell me that when it's an election year, their numbers go up," said Ryan Barilleaux, the chair of the department of political science. "Interest and involvement increase, particularly if there are candidates attracting attention among college students."
Barilleaux added that, while the political process is beginning relatively early, Miami students are right on pace with the rest of the country.
"Compared to years past, we would have said this is way too early (to begin campaigning)," he said. "But given the way the process has become more front-loaded, I don't think it's too early for college students to get involved. The process has accelerated."
With the semester just beginning Miami's two most prominent political groups, College Republicans and College Democrats, have only recently held their first meetings of the year.
However, according to the groups' presidents, the planning phase is already in full swing.
"The summer was spent planning and organizing our staff," said Chris Berry, president of College Republicans. "So we were able to hit the ground running at the start of the semester."
Berry said his group plans to bring in politicians active at both the state level and nationwide to address the club, including one of Ohio's United States Representatives, Steve Chabot.
Though many other offices are up for grabs in the 2008 election, Berry said the College Republicans plan to focus primarily on the presidency.
"A lot of times, people will focus on the top of the ticket in hopes that that person will help carry everyone with him," Berry said. "Our interest, time, and efforts will be focused on the presidential campaign."
Students and professors alike are already noticing differences in the political environment on Miami University's campus.
"I've observed the folks in the College Republicans and College Democrats, and they tell me that when it's an election year, their numbers go up," said Ryan Barilleaux, the chair of the department of political science. "Interest and involvement increase, particularly if there are candidates attracting attention among college students."
Barilleaux added that, while the political process is beginning relatively early, Miami students are right on pace with the rest of the country.
"Compared to years past, we would have said this is way too early (to begin campaigning)," he said. "But given the way the process has become more front-loaded, I don't think it's too early for college students to get involved. The process has accelerated."
With the semester just beginning Miami's two most prominent political groups, College Republicans and College Democrats, have only recently held their first meetings of the year.
However, according to the groups' presidents, the planning phase is already in full swing.
"The summer was spent planning and organizing our staff," said Chris Berry, president of College Republicans. "So we were able to hit the ground running at the start of the semester."
Berry said his group plans to bring in politicians active at both the state level and nationwide to address the club, including one of Ohio's United States Representatives, Steve Chabot.
Though many other offices are up for grabs in the 2008 election, Berry said the College Republicans plan to focus primarily on the presidency.
"A lot of times, people will focus on the top of the ticket in hopes that that person will help carry everyone with him," Berry said. "Our interest, time, and efforts will be focused on the presidential campaign."
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