College Republican Membership
Michael Reseigh ·
November 3, 2011 at 2:08am
Now that it has been almost three years since Obama took office, and the economy is still struggling to gain traction despite billions of dollars spent on stimulus policies, what is the mood around campus? Do you feel that more of your fellow students are starting to wake up compared to the past few years? Have the College Republicans or other conservative groups' memberships increased? Are students more openly displaying conservative ideas?
At the University of Michigan, our College Republican membership has increased since Obama was elected. I am curious about the statuses of other universities around the country.
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Re: College Republican Membership
I'm curious about this too, Michael. I was in college from 2004-2008, and during that time I believe our numbers severely decreased. But times have changed in just a few short years!
Re: College Republican Membership
Well let's see, this will be my first post on Ricochet! As a college student who is very interested in politics, I "joined" two College Republican groups. My first year I was at a very liberal, private university. I joined the College Republicans and I went to three meetings before the club seemingly disappeared. I never heard about it again, never got any emails. Now that I am at a large public university (albeit still very liberal) I joined the College Republicans again. Sadly, we are a rather small group. It is disappointing to have such small numbers when we are on a) a huge campus b) in a very important state for the presidential election c) hosting our own debate with the Republican primary candidates and d) the GOP National Convention will be held here in Tampa in 2012. I think the problem is our recruiting methods. We need to better get our names out there, be more open and welcoming to all people. Right now there is a divide between the College Republicans and the Young Americans for Liberty, both have meetings at the same time.
Re: College Republican Membership
Our meetings regularly get around 30-35 attendees, and got around 20-25 back during the 08 campaign if memory serves. Although I don't know about the Obama presidency motivating membership in CRs, there was a significant increase during McDonnell's campaign, and a similar rise in activity during last year's midterms. Our membership is much higher right now than what I am told it was during 07 and part of 08 when the club had "about six members and lots of factional disputes."
Re: College Republican Membership
What are the differences between these two groups? Is it Republicans versus Libertarians? Libertarianism does seem to be in vogue with the college aged crowd these days...
Re: College Republican Membership
Honestly I'm not really sure, as far as I understand the members of the Young Americans are mainly comprised of Ron Paul followers, where as the College Republicans right now our club is split down the middle with half of us being in the Romney camp and the other half in Cain camp. No Perry supporters among us. But the Young Americans have had a "Constitution Graveyard" out and were busy recruiting, so at this point the College Republicans need to step it up in that block. The Young Americans are also a new group this year on campus, but it is dividing the few like-minded people out there when we really should consolidate together.