Looking Back on Spring Semester '09

The College Republicans enjoyed a successful spring semester in '09. The semester began with the Conservative Political Action Conference at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC. The conference was attended by the leaders of the conservative movements, including Newt Gingrich, Rush Limbaugh, Governor Tim Pawlenty, Former Governor Mike Huckabee, and Mitt Romney. When we arrived on campus, we faced significant challenges, particularly debt incurred as a result of the Get Political Fair, but we approached the semester full of confidence and energy. Our goals were to strengthen our presence on campus, to conduct a series of fundraisers on campus, to encourage a discussion of policy issues, and to develop the grassroots of the Republican party. I'm happy to say that in retrospect, we accomplished our goals and established a firm foundation for future growth and activity. Over the course of the Spring, the College Republicans:

1. Set-up a Tax Day Presentation in Trabant Student Center, and displayed a massive check with the dollar amounts of the Stimulus, Bail-Out, and other Federal government spending.

2. Raised over $400 through fundraisers on campus and individual donors. We thank all who contributed to our Philadelphia Phillies raffle. It helped us and the Food Bank of Delaware.

3. Debated the College Democrats on a series of policy issues: Abortion, Gay Marriage, Health Care, Immigration, and the Economy. The College Republican debaters were (respective to the issues) Kasey Ketterer, Ken Adams, Tom Schrandt, Rick Walsh, and Bill Rivers.

4. Helped the Food Bank of Delaware with a sustainable food garden at the Agriculture School.

5. Worked with the Delaware Federation of College Republicans on several goals, notably recruitment and establishing relations with the Republican party of Delaware. We had an excellent dinner at the Deer Park Tavern where Mike Ramone and Greg Lavelle spoke on local politics and how students can become involved in Delaware.

6. Provided students the opportunity to attend lectures at the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI). ISI established the Collegiate Network to set-up independent newspapers on college campuses.

7. Addressed letters to the Democratic Senator of Pennsylvania Arlen Specter regarding the stimulus package and union card check.

8. Followed closely the elections in New Jersey and Virginia, and initiated contact with local organizations to establish ties for the fall of '09.

9. Updated our website to include new information about the College Republicans, our executive board, and our plans for the future.

10. Visited Terry Strine's (the former Chairmen of the GOP in Delaware) barn for a social with Charlie Copeland and Mrs. Strine. Charlie Copeland, the former Minority Leader of the Delaware Senate, gave a speech on policy and the future of the Republican Party. Terry Strine gave us advice on the future of the GOP, and helped us define our principles.

This list of ten activities is certainly not conclusive, but it provides a general overview of the College Republicans and our influence on campus and in Delaware politics. Interested students can email the Vice President Dan Boselli at dboselli@udel.edu to find out more about the CR's and future plans on campus.