As more students grow wary of the Obama administration’s excessive spending habits, they seem to be flocking to groups like the College Republicans and College Libertarians. Anton Direnberger and Charles Bogren sat down with MR to discuss the CR’s role in appeasing those students dissatisfied with the current Administration, and also its latest initiatives on campus and plans for this upcoming semester.
Students unhappy with the Obama Administration have been more active in joining conservative causes on campus. “Definitely more people are coming out,” LSA sophomore Charles Bogren said. Bogren is the Co-Chair for the College Republicans. Bogren continued, “People that are joining are the ones unhappy with the current Administration right now. On the left we’ve just seen more people disgusted with the way that Administration has been working.”
By bringing conservative speakers to campus, the College Republicans work to strengthen conservatism on campus. “For our events, we hold bi-weekly meetings where we bring conservative speakers,” said LSA sophomore Anton Direnberger, secretary of the College Republicans.
“Our last speaker was Michael Steele, the U-M med school grad and potential Republican challenger to John Dingell. Also at our meeting on February 3rd (Room 4 of the League) we have Brian Rooney coming to speak. He’s an Iraq War Veteran, practices law at the conservative Thomas More Law Center here in Ann Arbor, and is a Republican candidate to run against Marc Schauer. We’re excited to have him come in and speak as that race is attracting national attention,” added Bogren.
While it may appear there are few conservatives on campus, the numbers don’t lie. Over 500 students are on the listserve for the College Republicans. Direnberger commented, “As secretary I control our listerve. We have over 500 students on there, and once they get on the e-mail list then they get all of our updates. We also hold weekly office hours for students.”
Students can also join the College Republicans at anytime during the year. “People are always welcome to come to the meetings,” said Bogren.
Much of the College Republicans work goes into campaigning for conservative political candidates. When asked what the CR’s latest campaigning efforts have been, Direnbinger responded, “We are always active in campaigns and the problem is in a contestant primary we can’t endorse any candidate. Once the primaries are over we will be out there helping whoever gets there.”
“Individually, we have people working for the Cox campaign and the Snyder campaign. As a group we always get people to sign petitions to get on the ballot,” Bogren explained.
Many students associate the College Republicans with the nation’s GOP party. But the College Republicans have ideas for the current GOP. When asked what issues the Republican party should focus on, Charles said immediately, “Fiscal responsibility. I think as far as two important issues go, fiscal responsibility is one.”
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