If Weinberg freshman Ryan Morton wants help in his effort toelect the Republican candidate for Illinois’ U.S. Senate seat, AlanKeyes, he’s not going to receive any from the leaders and membersof Northwestern’s College Republicans.
They’re so disappointed in Keyes’ campaign that the club isn’teven putting up his sign in their booth, said group President HenryBowles.
But Morton is not disappointed. A “Keyes for U.S. Senate” signhangs on his door in Public Affairs Residential College. He saidalthough he admits Keyes is in a tough spot, he is excited by Keyesand his experience in politics.
“He stands for what the people of Illinois stand for,” saidKeyes’ press secretary Connie Hair. “He represents a type ofpolitics we have gotten away from — a politics of principle.”
Hair said this type of politics is necessary in Illinois wheremany politicians act for themselves rather than for the people.
“Students come forward enthusiastically and in great numberswherever we go,” Hair said.
But that is not the case at NU.
“(The College Republicans) are not enthused by Keyes’candidacy,” said Bowles, a Medill junior, referring to Keyes’policy positions. “People are turned off by him.”
Last year Bowles worked for Jack Ryan’s campaign. When Ryanwithdrew from the Senate race, Bowles said he was disappointed butthought of staying on for the new candidate. Although Keyes waschosen over the summer, Bowles did not go back to help thisfall.
The Evanston Republicans are supporting Keyes’ campaign, buttreasurer Robert James said he sympathizes with the CollegeRepublicans’ decision.
“We wonder how he was selected over the Republicans who ran inthe primary,” the 75-year-old James said. “A lot of Republicans arenot voting at all because Keyes does not represent us and the othercandidate does not represent us.”
At NU Morton said he is trying to change that.
“I’m not trying to convince Democrats or Independents,” Mortonsaid. “I’m trying to convince Republicans not to waste theirvotes.”
Morton said although it is important to look at the man behindthe politics in presidential races, majorities are more importantin Congress, and this Senate seat could be the difference betweenRepublican or Democrat control.
Political science Prof. Dennis Chong said Keyes doesn’t have achance based on the polls. According to the latest Chicago Tribunepoll, Barack Obama currently has a 51 point lead over Keyes.
But Morton said the numbers could change after the two scheduleddebates between Obama and Keyes.
“If people pay attention to these upcoming debates, then they’llsee his stance on issues and respect his stance and support himhere in Illinois,” Morton added.
Reach Corrie Driebusch [email protected].
