Political clubs rebuild as semester ends

As this semester ends and a new one begins, the political clubs on campus struggle to remake themselves.

    The College Republicans club is under new management and the Democrats club has yet to take off the ground, but both have plans to broaden their horizons and expand.

    "The exec board members have met and we have a constitution but we are waiting until next semester to bring it to SGA," said president of the Democrats club Nora Barney.

    The club had its first meeting the week before Election Day but hasn't had another meeting since then. Barney said that there wasn't enough time or students willing to participate in the club, but the executive board has been meeting periodically, getting ready to start the club when next semester commences.

    The College Republicans' new beginning is a bit more controversial. Recently the president, vice president, and the secretary all resigned within the same week.

    "It was a tough loss. They have been here for a long time. Those guys knew what they were doing and they're friends," said club representative Ian Sullivan.

    Former President Brett Rubinate, who is now the club secretary as well as treasurer, felt that it was time for some new blood as president. After Rubinate resigned as president, freshman Dan Weiner was voted in. But not everyone is happy with the new leadership.

    "He did a lot of talk and promised a lot of things. But at this point he hasn't done a thing," said club member Austin Sullivan.

    Former Vice President Tyler Kittleman isn't happy with the change either and says that the way Weiner speaks of former leaders is insulting.

    "I want to leave the College Republicans in a better position than when I joined when I graduate. But it's going downhill, it only has five members," he said.

    According to the Student Government Association, a club needs to have seven members to remain a club, so the College Republicans club is in danger. But President Weiner doesn't feel that it will be a problem and he is actively recruiting for the club.

    "I want knowledgeable formal people who know what's going on in politics," said Weiner. Weiner says that he is actively using Facebook and other means to attract new members to the club, but that his main plan of action is to get old members who have left the club to come back.

    "I came into this running my mouth too much but only because I have high hopes for the club," said Weiner.

    He plans on focusing on fundraising next semester in hopes of attending a conservative meeting in Washington D.C. Weiner is also open to working with the Democrat club when it is established, possibly holding debates with them.

    Both clubs are facing a critical time, one being established and the other facing demolition. Both have plans to prosper but only time will tell if both, one, or neither will survive.