Every four years there is a spike of interest in all things political — with a considerable amount of focus on the presidential election.
Since the 2008 presidential election, there has been a heightened awareness of the affect young voters can have on the outcome, and the Republican voice at Sinclair Community College is open to student dialogue.
Sinclair’s College Republicans club was formally established in 2004 after a student of Kathleen Sooy made an inquiry into the existence of a Republican club on campus, prying if Kathleen and Jennifer Sooy would take on the roles of faculty advisors to the club.
The club is not just active during election seasons and Kathleen and Jennifer said that they would like to see more interest and active participation throughout all elections.
“There is not just one side,” said Jennifer. “There are other points of view that need to be heard. You don’t have to accept them — just listen to them. There’s nothing right or wrong — it’s another point of view. And as many ideas that can be raised and points made, hopefully we can come to the truth or solution to our problems. But if we don’t talk and communicate, we can’t come up with the ability to even problem-solve.”
James Rawlins, College Republicans member and intern at an Ohio Republican Victory Center, said that he feels the Republican voice on campus is underrepresented — with some students wanting to vote, but not for Obama.
Rawlins described his Republican stance as being rooted in patriotism, which strongly believes in small government that protects the rights of the people and allows small businesses to grow and thrive, and encourages job creation.
Rawlins said that even though a majority of Sinclair students might lean left, there are substantial amount that lean right. And they have voiced their opinion to him, saying they aren’t happy with Obama’s work over the past few years.
“I’d like to see the club take off, especially these last few weeks before the election,” said Rawlins. “We need to get it out there that hey, we got a candidate and he needs help.”
Rawlins, who shook hands with and watched Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney speak in Ohio recently, described him as polite and respectful.
“He finds ways to reach out to all people,” said Rawlins. “He did this when he was president of the Salt Lake City Olympics. He did this at Bain Capital. He did this as governor of Massachusetts. Every aspect of life that he has been involved in, he has always taken a nonbiased approach to solving problems or to just getting along with people.”
Rawlins said that he saw some interest in the College Republicans at Sinclair’s Safety Awareness Expo last September, and he hopes for more discussion between political clubs.
The Sooy sisters said that there is enthusiasm on the right, but they noticed a seemingly quieter atmosphere on National Voter Registration Day (compared to the 2008 election season).
“So often, people are afraid to share their views; even in their own families,” said Jennifer Sooy. “So, it’s important to encourage young people — all people — to be involved in the conversation and feel that they can communicate with one another. [To] talk about important issues that are of concern to them and to know that they can access either their candidates or state or federal officials and share those views. We can make a difference.”
Rawlins agrees.
“I think our country is important. No matter what party you’re part of — get out there and vote,” said Rawlins.
For more information about the College Republicans, email the Club Advisors at kathleen.sooy@sinclair.edu or jennifer.sooy@sinclair.edu, or the Club President at sarah.scott@my.sinclair.edu.