Some students active in state campaigns

While many University students are apathetic about today's election, 18 to 25 year olds are the work force behind many local and state-wide campaigns. Republican senatorial candidate Rick Santorum has about 135 student volunteers from Philadelphia area colleges and universities working for his campaign, including 15 from the University. The Santorum campaign divides these students into two groups, those that work at campaign offices and those that work on campuses and in communities, Santorum campaign spokesperson Will Sears said. The office volunteers work the phones and stuff envelopes while those working out in the community distribute campaign literature and coordinate Santorum's campus stump speeches, Sears said. He added that some law students do basic research for the campaign. Sears points to a successful Santorum campaign stop at St. Joseph's University in September as an example of a very successful student-coordinated event. It was organized by 50 student volunteers. Marty Cohen, a College Democrat employee working for Lt. Governor Mark Singel's gubernatorial campaign, also said he is dependent on student volunteers to work in both the campaign's Philadelphia office and to help canvass neighborhoods. Dan Debicella, president of the University's College Republican club, said his group has been active in campaigning for Republican candidates. He said some members have volunteered large amounts of time for Santorum and gubernatorial candidate Tom Ridge. The College Republicans have also been doing literature drops and voter registration drives. Some students are doing more than just volunteer for campaigns -- they are actually running for office. In Cincinnati, Ohio, a 19-year-old Xavier University political science major is campaigning for the Ohio State Senate against a veteran GOP lawmaker. Xavier sophomore Tara Burke is challenging Senator Richard Finan, who in his fourth term and is the second highest ranking-member of the Senate. "I've always been interested in politics," Burke said. "It's something I've grown up around, and it's something I've always thought was important." Burke entered the race after learning that no Democrats were challenging the 60-year-old Finan for the seat. "She has every right to run," Finan said. "Obviously, I would feel my experience would surpass hers." Burke, who is not being considered seriously by most in her district, said she is campaigning part time, hitting the campaign trail a few times a week. "I've learned a lot," she said. "I think I've done a decent job of meeting voters and letting them know who I am. I was surprised by how supportive everyone is."

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