Herald on College Republicans

College Republicans gather, get advice from alumnus

As students filed into the Brown and Gold room in Bernhard, Western Michigan University’s College Republican leader Megan Buwalda turned over speaking rights to a former College Republican.

Adam Keech, regional communication specialist for the House Republicans in Lansing, took the floor to describe exactly what the College Republicans did for him during his stay at WMU.
“Through the contacts I made in the College Republicans, I was able to gain an internship and later a career in Lansing,” Keech said.

Representatives from the John McCain campaign were also present. Garry Hartlieb discussed opportunities for Republicans or McCain supporters to get involved at the local level.

Keynote speakers had the floor during the majority of the meeting, as also in attendance was James Bolger, who is currently running for state representative of the 63rd district. Bolger, who’s college career began here at WMU gave an introduction about himself, highlighting his “real world experience” which he believed could help him earn a seat in the Michigan House of Representatives.

“You have to do the tough work,” Bolger said, “meet with both people that agree and disagree with you in order to best represent all of them.”

Bolger then proceeded to open the floor for questions from any of those in attendance.

Topics like bringing jobs to Michigan balancing the Michigan budget and term limits were all brought up and openly discussed. Even the touchier issues like gun control and public education were openly discussed between students and the candidate.

The College Republican e-board closed the meeting announcing that students could stay after and get involved with flyers or if they were unable to attend this week that they could join the group at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30 in 2304 Sangren for a movie night with free snacks.

On the way out the door to start the flyers students were given the opportunity to obtain a fresh stock of McCain/Palin t-shirts.

Every College Republican meeting ends in a tradition that even returning College Republicans remember…a trip to the local Road House for a great time with other College Republicans.