Political science students involved with local, national campaigns

October 31, 2008

Election Day is rapidly approaching and University of Wisconsin-Whitewater students on both sides of the political spectrum are getting involved in the political process. Several UW-Whitewater political science students are involved with local and national campaigns.

“I think it is great that so many students are excited enough about the 2008 election that they are working as interns in a number of different campaigns,” Political Science Department Chair Susan Johnson said. “I always stress the importance of internships because they provide real-world experience, as well as a chance to meet people already working in the field.”

Senior Angenette Wilder is volunteering for the Obama campaign and says working on a political campaign is life changing. “It’s the most energizing experience I have ever had the chance to partake in,” she said.

While some students work for national campaigns, some prefer working with local campaigns. “When you help on a state assembly campaign the budgets are low so as a volunteer you find yourself doing everything that is involved in a campaign and it has been a great experience,” Senior Greg Torres, a volunteer for 43rd state assembly candidate Debi Towns (R-Wis.), said. “I have done everything from canvassing door to door, putting yard signs up and putting them back up after they get torn down, to research and working on campaign strategy along with much more.”

Junior Ian Vaver is also working on a local campaign for 43rd state assembly incumbent Kim Hixson (D-Wis.). “We have been working very hard in preparation for the election next Tuesday, volunteers have been going to doors across the district to get Kim Hixson's message out to voters,” Vaver said. “We will also be doing a huge get out the vote effort to get voters to the polls on Election Day. It really is going to be an exciting election.”

While political beliefs may differ, people agree that student involvement is a great thing. “As a senior who graduates in December, I am thrilled to see how many students, especially the younger ones, are getting involved in politics,” Torres said.
 
“It is gratifying to see our students doing so well and getting so involved in the political process,” Johnson added.