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Students can choose their own political adventure
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Three political parties (College Democrats, College Republicans and Students for Liberty) have clubs on the Boise State University campus and are available for students to join.
According to their constitution, College Republicans have a philosophy to “Provide a forum and outlet for political activity for republican students of Boise State University.” They are active across campus in bringing local government officials to BSU for speaking engagements, community service and in learning more about Idaho government.
The College Republicans are not simply an academic community, but a place for students to form a solid career path. Their home website offers members the ability to “make important contacts with local government officials, business leaders and many others.”
College Republican President Brandon Stoker said he sees this semester as a chance to
“Really help out some candidates here in southern Idaho.”
He, along with other College Republicans, look to get more students involved in local elections. “This is an election year. It’s a great opportunity to see how government works,” Stoker said.
There are other avenues for students to explore when searching for a politically-affiliated group to join.
Students for Liberty, representing the libertarians on campus, have a concise mission statement: “Students for liberty want people to be aware of their options when voting.”
As treasurer, Ross Givens focuses on the individual.
“We have the political ideology where people govern themselves. If you’re not informed please reconsider voting,” Givens said.
Brian Amberg, currently majoring in both Political Science and Economics at BSU has been active in campus politics.
“I think it was my first semester. I was looking for a place where I could debate with people” Amberg said.
Political groups on campus “seem like worthy organizations,” Amberg said.
When asked if he would actually join, Amberg said “Maybe … I don’t know … I go to school to study.”
Like the other two affiliations, the College Democrat’s constitution offers an avocation of “certain principles of philosophical and political concern to members of the organization and its political allies.”
They are also active across campus in bringing the democratic student voice to the forefront of college life.
Bipartisanship is an illusive concept for these groups.
“As far as working together … we’re [Students for Liberty] about as marginalized as any small third party group,” Givens said.
Stoker admitted that the groups have competing ideologies, but they try to work together whenever possible.
“I don’t think there really is such a thing as bipartisan,” Amberg said.
In order to join these groups, students must be full-fee paying. The clubs are required to meet at least five times throughout the semester and each has different times and places
to meet.
BARRY FRANKLIN
News Writer