As the presidential election draws closer, excitement and anticipation radiates throughout UW-Madison. In addition to the yellows, browns and oranges of the falling autumn leaves, bold blues and reds are gracing every corner of campus. Supporters of both Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama and Republican presidential nominee McCain have made their mark as active young students on campus by joining either Students for Obama or Students for McCain.
Democrat and Republican student representatives on campus face different challenges aside from the political issues at hand. As Madison resembles a large portion of Democrats, many students on campus have embraced Students for Obama. However, in both groups, students are passionate, committed and dedicated to the well-being of the country. They will continue to work toward this cause even after the election's end.
Jamie Stark, who was the youngest delegate for Wisconsin at the Democratic National Convention, is also a representative of Students for Obama.
I know this is a big campus and a lot of people want to get involved, but Barack has just gotten people involved on a whole other level,"" Stark said.
The same increasing support and excitement holds true for McCain and his supporters. Lucas Moench, representative of Students for McCain, said the organization has doubled in size since the beginning of the semester. However, unlike Students for Obama, McCain advocates have had a harder time ensuring large turnouts at group events.
""It's been kind of hit or miss,"" Co-Chair of Students for McCain Katie Nix said. ""We tried to get a little creative by doing town hall events and attendance was pretty low ... But we found that for things that are directly going to help the campaign, people are really excited to help out.""
Although both organizations continue to work in favor of their candidate, the goals of each group vary. According to Nix, Students for McCain's main goal is to change the negative attitude toward conservatives on campus and to inform students of McCain's stances. Stark said Students for Obama's biggest goal is to register as many students as possible and to involve them in the campaign process.
Bryon Eagon, state coordinator for Students for Obama, said his group has been one of the leading student organizations on campus in registering students to vote, getting students involved and making phone calls. Nix said Students for McCain have been focusing on voter contact and working with the national McCain campaign.
Although UW-Madison is a large campus, at times it does not seem big enough for the opposing groups.
""Things between Students for Obama and us have been cordial but kind of cold,"" Nix said.
Nix said some Republicans endure difficult situations because they represent a political minority on campus and in the Madison area. She said she had beer poured on her at a football game and was asked to leave a party because of her McCain-endorsing apparel.
""It's kind of sad that people lose sight of the fact that we are all fellow students,"" she said.
Stances on relevant issues could not differ more between the two candidates and their supporters.
""We have seen the same failed policies from the Republican party over and over again in the last eight years,"" Ami ElShareif, chair of Students for Obama said. ""While they want to continue spending $10 billion a month in Iraq, we support the smart, tough foreign policies offered by Senator Obama.""
In contrast, Moench said Students for McCain's biggest problem with Obama is his economic plans to raise taxes and regulate the economy.
Although Nov. 4 is soon approaching, efforts will continue on both sides long after Election Day is over.
Nix said her group will continue to work toward bringing conservative ideals into a more positive light and increasing awareness on campus.
""I would like to create more of an open dialogue where people can voice alternative opinions and not be ridiculed,"" she said.
On behalf of Obama, Eagon said no matter the outcome, Students for Obama hopes to build on the movement Obama has sparked in the students at UW-Madison.
""No matter what the outcome, we hope to translate the energy this campaign has instilled in so many students into continued action and engagement in the political process,"" he said. ""Whether it be local political races, organizing around specific issues, or future large scale campaigns, we hope to build on the movement Senator Obama has sparked in our generation.""
Each group has and will continue to work around the clock leading up to Election Day. From voter registration efforts to informative lectures, Students for Obama and Students for McCain have raised awareness among students and Madison community members to ensure the city as a whole will make an informed decision in this crucial election.
