Rock The Vote!
JIM BOWMAN, Collegio Entertainment Editor
Issue date: 9/2/04 Section: After Hours
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Politicians and local rock bands competed for attention at PSU's first "Rock the Vote" event Wednesday at the university's Gorilla Village. The end result - getting people registered to vote - was achieved. Seven politicians running for offices in Kansas were present, including Democrat Sen. Jim Barone and Republican John Minton, who is running for a seat in the House of Representatives. Barone pointed out what he's already done for PSU in the eight years he's been state senator and encourages students to call on him when they need help. He is also the first legislator from Crawford County on the Senate Ways and Means Committee. "Go ahead and print my home phone number," Barone said. "I'm serious when I say people can talk to me. Go ahead. It's 231-4900 in Frontenac." Minton says college students have been turned off by the mudslinging in national politics. "I just want to fight for Southeast Kansas and I want to work with both parties," Minton said. "It's best when everybody is working together to solve problems."
Both Barone and Minton agree that every vote counts. "Look at Florida," Barone said. "And in Chanute a candidate won by three votes. I've seen a vote in the House that was a dead heat even after three recounts. They had to flip a coin." "We've got men and women dying overseas for our ability to vote," Minton said. "The more people who vote, the better. A handful of votes can make the biggest difference." Alex Ward, guitarist for the band Pondmonkeys, said the band was happy to perform for a good cause.
"It was a totally non-partisan event, just promoting the idea to get out and vote. I think it's great," he said. Also on the afternoon's bill were the bands Tempest Corridor and PMB. Student Democrat and Republican groups were also on hand to help get people registered to vote.
"This went awesome," said Johnny "B" Anderson, president of the Campus Democrats. "We got a lot of students to vote." Tommy Fellers of the College Republicans agreed. "We've been getting people registered to vote and recruiting new College Republicans." Following the event, the first official Student Government Association meeting was called to order by University Lake. Vice President Mike McGrew's voice boomed over the loudspeakers. "I think everyone is going to hear us tonight," McGrew said, calling the meeting to order and getting to the very local political business. |
