Campus Political Activists Prep for Upcoming Elections

With the U.S. presidential election just over a month away, both the MHC Democrats and the College Republicans are shifting into high gear to help elect their candidates of choice.

MHC Democrats president Claire Kennedy-Wilkins '98 says the group's first fall meeting attracted a record number of people, over one hundred. Participants will hand out brochures supporting Congressman John Olver during his Pittsfield-to-Amherst bus tour, and hold a debate-watching party during the Senator John Kerry/Governor William Weld match in Boston. Locally, they will attend the South Hadley Democratic Town Committee meeting, and plan to be part of Clinton-Gore rallies. More than 110 students signed up for a Kerry fundraising event in Boston, at which President Clinton will appear. Kennedy-Wilkins says what she hopes will be a victory party is scheduled for November 5, election day.

>>> The College Republicans picked up about two dozen new supporters this fall, according to acting chair Rachel Kerestes '99. "Although the majority of the campus holds liberal positions, the College Republicans are trying to say there's also another side to the story. Just because some people don't agree with our views doesn't mean our opinions are invalid. We're looking for respect and open-mindedness."

Campus representatives of both major parties will set up campus tables with information on signing up to vote locally or by absentee ballot.

Though smaller in number than the MHC Democrats, the College Republicans attracted a lot of interest at the student activities fair, according to the group's acting chair, Rachel Kerestes '99. She says they plan to join the local pro-Dole contingent at rallies. They'd also like to attend the vice presidential debate tentatively scheduled to take place in Hartford. Locally, they will support Jane Swift's campaign for U.S. representative, work with the Northampton Republican Committee, and volunteer at events for candidates in a variety of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York races. They're involved with the Massachusetts College Republican Organization and will join activities for Boston-area candidates and support Governor William Weld's U.S. Senate bid.

Both women say their presidential candidate is likely to prevail. "Things are looking pretty positive for Clinton right now, but it's important for students to register and then show up on election day," says Kennedy-Wilkins. Kerestes counters, "The campaign is just getting underway and the club is optimistic about Dole's chances. It's not over until it's over."

For more information or to get involved, contact Kennedy-Wilkins (x5764; ckwilkin) or Kerestes (x5407; rmkerest).