 Media Credit: Infusino, Nick Andrew Card, President Bush's former chief of staff, and Leon Panetta, President Clinton's former chief of staff, spoke at an event sponsored by College Democrats in 2007.
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Student groups may be on a sunny hiatus, but campus political organizations have been gearing up this summer so that they can hit the ground running this election season.
Their political scheming has been aided by a recent victory within the Associated Student Government which now allows for student groups supporting a particular candidate to receive ASG recognition. Although they will not be eligible for funding, the recent decision is a major victory for groups supporting Barack Obama and John McCain, because they will be able to have representatives at the activities fair and reserve meeting space on campus in the months approaching the November 4 election.
College Democrats will bring a high profile speaker to campus in the first week of October, according to junior Jeff Cao, ASG senator for the College Democrats.
"The large speaking event is a typical fall program of the Democrats, whereas in the winter and spring we typically host something a little less traditional," said Cao. "Last May, we helped bring Ted Leo for Dillo Day."
College Democrats will also encourage students to get involved in campaigning, but there are limits on what they can do as an ASG-funded group. Technically, groups such as the College Democrats and College Republicans can receive funding because they do not support one specific candidate or party (the group titles are deceiving).
"Really, we will mostly be trying to encourage students to get involved with Northwestern Students for Barack Obama," said Cao.
A new student group, NSFBO leadership has recently been in flux because executive members have been hired to work full-time for the Obama campaign in the Fall.
Active member and SESP senior Sam Schiller, however, has high expectations for NFSBO. "The great thing about being in Chicago is that we're bordered on each side by two real swing states, Indiana and Wisconsin, which have the potential to influence the election."
Schiller said there are plans to get involved with the Obama headquarters in Chicago, possibly by helping with campaign phone calls.
2008 Woodie Awards
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Andrew Thompson
posted 7/31/08 @ 12:58 AM CST
Dear Libby,
As you may be aware, the members of Northwestern Students for Ron Paul were the catalysts behind the changes adopted by ASG. Your article did not mention our role in securing these rights. (Continued…)
Libby Clark
posted 7/31/08 @ 11:58 AM CST
Andrew, thank you for your detailed insight. Although that was not the main thrust of the article, I feel that our readership benefits from this background knowledge. (Continued…)
Kaitlyn Patia
posted 8/13/08 @ 3:38 PM CST
Anyone wanting to get involved with NU Students for Barack Obama this fall (or earlier!) can send an email to the following address and they will be added to our listserv: kaitlyn. (Continued…)
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