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Edgier republicans etch new path while rebuilding ranks

Published 3/20/2007
College Republicans are energizing the University of Nebraska at Omaha campus.

By Katie Zabrocki, UNO Gateway

The UNO College Republicans are a close-knit group of conservatives who don't just associate "party" with the GOP (Grand Old Party).

They sponsor social events like camping trips and tailgating parties in addition to their political activities and campaigning. Past events, like a State of the Union Party and a "Second Amendment Day" outing to the shooting range, coupled the group's social side with its political ideals. They also distributed water guns on campus last year to show their support for the right to carry concealed weapons.

The College Republicans have approximately 20 members attending meetings each week, said junior Ryan Maher, a marketing and management major and interim president of the College Republicans. And even though the group is in a "rebuilding" year, they are working hard and brainstorming ideas for fun events and slogans in 2007.

"After losing some of our numbers due to graduating seniors, we're looking to boost membership under new management," Maher said. "Our goal is to let people know that there is a conservative presence on campus and that there is an alternative to the [Democrats]."

College Republicans' new campaign includes edgier fliers like, "Sick of Leftist Professors? We are too!" It's just one way the group is getting loud about their message on campus and getting responses.

One of their activities planned for this semester includes raising money to create care packages for the troops in Iraq. The project has a personal meaning within the group, as some of the College Republican members have served in Iraq.

UNO College Republicans' events aren't limited to the campus, either. In January several members volunteered at the Elephant Remembers political fundraiser, the largest of its kind in Nebraska.  At the event, member Dayton Headlee, a junior teacher education and political science major, received the prestigious Ally Milder Future Leader Award, which was presented by Congressman Lee Terry.

"That night was really special for me," Headlee said. "And a lot of [it] had to do with the fact that six of my best friends were there to celebrate with me."

The event was also an opportunity for group members to mingle with top Republicans from across the state.

The College Republicans also had representation at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington, D.C., from March 1-3. The event is the largest gathering of conservatives in the U.S. While listening to speakers like Vice President Dick Cheney, Sean Hannity and Ann Coulter was the focus of the trip, they planned time for sightseeing as well.

And in 20 words or less, how would the College Republicans persuade someone to join their organization?

"Have fun, learn more, get involved and make a difference," Maher said.

The UNO College Republicans meet every first and third Wednesday of the month at 8 p.m. in the Omaha Room of the Milo Bail Student Center. They have $10 annual voluntary dues to support organization activities. For more information, visit their Web site at unocr.com.