Published since 1915 by the students
of Xavier University
Published since 1915 by the students
of Xavier University
PPP majors take an active role in the electoral process
Jennifer Downing
Senior News Writer
Angela Neyer and Joe Lehnert are two sophomores who know political activism–they have both been doing hands-on work all semester for Ohio campaigns for Steve Chabot and Ted Strickland in preparation for the upcoming November 7 elections.
Through the Mass Media and Politics class at Xavier, Neyer has been working on the campaign for Republican Steve Chabot of the 1st Congressional District in Cincinnati. Lehnert has been campaigning for Democrat Ted Strickland’s campaign for Governor of Ohio.
From passing out cups to phone-banking, putting up yard-signs and registering voters for absentee ballots, Neyer and Lehnert have worked intimately with their respective campaign staffs.
“I work with a general group of work staffers of Chabot’s campaign; it’s cool because we all have everyone’s cell numbers – like the grassroots coordinator,” said Neyer.
“I have met Strickland and his wife, but during the campaign season, Strickland needs to be visible to other people who may not know how they’re going to vote,” said Lehnert.
These students are a part of one of Xavier’s newest integrative majors: Philosophy, Politics and the Public, where students register for block courses.
Neyer and Lehnert, along with the rest of their sophomore class, will spend the semester devoted to understanding the notion of “the public” in the formal campaign process.
“The purpose for the course and year is centered around the question, ‘Okay, how do you get elected? What does it take in America?’” said Dr. Gene Beaupre, who teaches the course with Dr. John Fairfield.
As Neyer and Lehnert are learning, getting elected takes volunteers. Both students have spent about three to four hours each weekend campaigning, on top of their class work and other commitments. Not surprisingly, “It can be overwhelming,” said Neyer.
“Many of the students arrive at college already active in social or political causes, by being a part of this process, they’re really digging down and learning why they’re knocking on that door and what the campaign message on that piece of paper is all about,” said Dr. Beaupre.
“I said this after the first year of the program: ‘You could go to Washington tomorrow and start working as campaign consultants. And it’s really because of the contact. We work from life experience and campaign politics,” said Dr. Beaupre.
Though the students have differing political views, they are able to engage in dialogue together about why they are endorsing their candidate and why they buy their candidate’s political message.
For Lehnert, education is the most important issue this election. He is hopeful that, if elected, Democrat Strickland will “focus on reform as far as funding for education goes and help health care become more affordable.”
“Strickland wants to look at keeping students in the state of Ohio to create jobs because many innovators are leaving Ohio for the East and West Coast,” said Lehnert.
Neyer says she respects Republican Chabot because he has “done an excellent job in Congress since 1994.”
Her vote for Chabot will stem from the fact that “Chabot has cut taxes and is not wasting the money we have within the government. He’s taken a strong stance on protecting the borders from immigration, and he is strong on defense.”
While both are motivated by big issues, such as education reform or defense, Neyer and Lehnert are also motivated by political passion.
“Why vote? It matters who votes. The reality is that the young vote is important. That’s why both political parties are targeting young people – and that gives us more power. I don’t think people realize that,” said Lehnert.
“People have a responsibility to vote. It legitimizes your beliefs and says that you want a stake in your country’s future, and you’re willing to put your stamp on what you believe in,” said Lehnert.
Pat Stevenson
Asst. Op-Ed Editor
You should definitely vote in the upcoming election. I’m not about to go all Sean Combs/Puff Daddy/Puffy/P. Diddy/Diddy and threaten you with death if you don’t vote, but I will strongly recommend it.
However, since the only method of argument in this current political climate is to attack any opposing viewpoints, the only way I can argue for voting is to attack non-voting. So here it is, the negative campaign against non-voting.
Non-voters think their vote doesn’t matter. “My vote isn’t going to decide an election, so why bother voting?” I love this excuse for not voting, because people act like they have thoughtfully considered the potential impact of their vote and have made the informed and educated decision not to vote, when in reality they are just too lazy.
If you are too lazy or apathetic to vote, just say so. No one believes you if you act like you have a set of well-reasoned political beliefs but you don’t feel the need to express them by voting. Anyone who says that they don’t vote because it doesn’t matter probably does not enjoy the process of having thoughts, and likely believes that Barack Obama is the name of a spicy Pakistani side dish.
Non-voters take money from the North American Man-Boy Love Association. If accusing your opponent of sympathiz is a good enough strategy for Ken Blackwell, it’s good enough for me.
Voting isn’t extreme enough. Any middle-aged person who enjoys stereotyping young adults can tell you that young people only care about three things: keychains, sugary soft drinks and the general pursuit of “extremeness.” I have always thought that if only there were organizations that combined these things with voting, they would really be on to something.
I mentioned this idea during a recent discussion with the members of one of Dr. John Spence’s American Government and Politics classes, who quickly crushed my dreams of pioneering a new youth voter campaign. Apparently, before the 2004 election, there was a semi-major event in front of Cintas Center called “Rock the Vote,” where corporate sponsors gave students a myriad of free products, including soda and keychains. There was also a performance by a below average rock band in order to facilitate an extreme atmosphere for the event.
While out of touch, disconnected corporate executives see events like this as unadulterated genius, members of the class I spoke with did not agree. Senior Ken Akers referred to the event as “patronizing,” while senior Jake Tippey called promotional campaigns like this “condescending.”
Clearly, some students find it insulting that campaigns such as “Rock the Vote” assume that the only way to convince young adults to vote is to give them free trinkets, but I think “Rock the Vote” is great.
In fact, the only complaint I have with “Rock the Vote” is that it is not extreme enough. What they really need to do is to have skateboarding competitions between political candidates. Dudes! Think about it! Steve Chabot and John Cranley battling it out to see who can pop the best ollie! Totally extreme!
Politicians don’t talk about issues that are relevant to college students. Come on, that’s just ludicrous. Political campaigns focus on lots of things that are important to college aged students, such as Social Security and Medicare.
If for some strange reason you don’t care about Social Security because it doesn’t affect you in the slightest, here’s an alternative idea for you. Go vote on Nov. 7 so we can raise the percentage of voting eligible young adults who actually care about America enough to participate in the democratic process. If more than 22 percent of eligible college students voted, maybe politicians would start worrying about issues that affect young adults.
If that doesn’t work for you, go ahead and stay home on Nov. 7. Why bother voting, which would only give politicians a real reason to address major issues that affect young adults (like the ballooning cost of college tuition)? Besides, voting requires thinking, and seriously, who wants to do that?
Bradley Seligmann
Election Writer
State Issue #2: Minimum Wage
If the issue is approved, the minimum wage in Ohio will increase from $5.15 to $6.85 and be adjusted annually with the rate of inflation. Employees earning tips can be paid less providing the difference can be covered by tips. The issue will also require all businesses to maintain a database of employee information for three years. This information includes name, address, occupation, pay rate, hours worked for each day worked and each amount paid an employee.
Reasons For: With the amount of Social Justice groups active on campus, students have been out in force promoting Issue #2. If prices have increased over the past 10 years, why hasn’t the minimum wage? Wages should increase in proportion with prices. Workers on minimum wage live below the poverty level, which is a travesty.
Opponents believe that the information requirements infringe on privacy and would be a burden to businesses. However, employers are already required by other laws to keep the same information on hand. Note that social security number is NOT part of the required information.
Reasons Against: Any economics professor on campus will tell you, ‘price floors’ such as minimum wage do not work the way they are intended: Businesses will layoff sections of workforce in order to maintain the same payroll costs. Many individuals will lose their jobs. The increases that businesses cannot cover through layoffs will be passed to the consumer, raising prices. The information requirements add to business bureaucracy and can be burdensome to smaller businesses. Since this is an amendment to the constitution, it will be harder to change if there are unintended consequences.
The Newswire’s Stance: Coming from a Jesuit establishment with concern for social justice, vote for the issue. Coming from an institute of higher learning that understands the economic disadvantages, vote against the issue. It’s your call – we’re not touching this hot potato.
State Issue #3:
Gambling and College Scholarships
The issue “Learn & Earn” proposes to add thousands of slot machines to seven race tracks and two non-track locations across the state. Revenues from the slots would be divided as follows: 55% to owners, 30% to a scholarship fund and the rest to local governments and gambling addiction services.
Reasons For: Implementation would create scholarships for thousands of Ohio high school students to attend Ohio colleges. The slot revenues can only be used to supplement education funds, not supplant funds as was often the case with lottery revenue. Gambling remains strictly restricted and regulated. Monies typically spent by Ohio gamblers in other locations would now remain in the state as opposed to going to gamble in Indiana, Michigan or Pennsylvania.
Reasons Against: Ohio voters should be skeptical, as a lottery that promised increased scholarship monies has not lived up to its promises. There are no guarantees how much scholarships will be worth and when they will be paid. The restrictions on slot placement create a government sanctioned monopoly on ownership with proceeds exempt from taxes. These operators can be based out-of-state, possibly draining the 55% they receive from the Ohio economy. Senator Voinovich says the benefits of the law are “greatly exaggerated and riddled with loopholes.”
The Newswire’s Stance: Although the idea has merit, analysis of the issue shows too many problems in the language and implementation. We certainly support funding education, but this is not the way it should be done.
The Smoking Issues
This is politics at its worst. Two opposing groups have created two very different smoking issues. One is touted as the “common sense” prohibition, but the fact that it is supported by the tobacco lobby brings its authenticity into question. The other is on an overly righteous quest to eliminate an activity in which 25 percent of Ohioans participate. We sort the political muck so you can decide.
State Issue #4: “Restrict Smoking”
This constitutional amendment would prohibit smoking in enclosed areas except: tobacco stores, private residences, separate smoking areas in restaurants, bars, bingo and bowling facilities, separated areas of hotels, nursing homes and race tracks. As this is a constitutional amendment, it overturns any local smoking laws and prohibits the creation of new ones.
State Issue #5: “Prohibit Smoking”
This issue is a law which would prohibit smoking in enclosed areas except: tobacco stores, private residences, outdoor patios, separated areas of hotels and nursing homes. Smoking would be prohibited in restaurants, bars and other similar public facilities unless those places had an outdoor patio. The law would also allow the department of health to enforce the smoking restrictions and impose fines upon anyone who violates the smoking restrictions. Local laws can further clarify smoking limitations.
The Newswire’s Stance: Upon review of the issues, both go too far to achieve extreme goals. Issue 4 has the right idea by allowing exceptions, if only it could be enhanced by local governments. Issue 5 goes too far, restraining the rights of individual business owners and eliminating alternatives for nearly a quarter of the population. We say vote no on both issues if you don’t have a problem with the smoking status quo.
If you’d like to restrict smoking, vote no on 4 and yes on 5. If you want to protect establishments from local smoking bans, vote yes on 4 and no on 5. Remember, if issue 4 passes, it will nullify issue 5.
Local Issue #12: New Jail
If passed, this issue would increase the existing sales tax by one quarter of one percent for 10 years for the purpose of “supporting criminal and administrative justice services.” This primarily includes the construction of a new jail, as well as reimbursement to Butler County for temporarily holding Hamilton County prisoners.
The Newswire’s Stance: You can vote against it if you don’t want to raise taxes, or if you don’t think more jail space solves the problem. But the simple fact is this: According to Cincinnati police, over 9,000 petty criminals have been booked and released because there was not enough jail space to detain them. Some of these criminals have become repeat offenders, yet they still cannot be jailed due to the lack of space and the petty status of their crimes. If you’re worried about the tax increase, think about it like this: Under the levy, the price of a $4 meal would increase from $4.26 to $4.27 – a small price to pay for safer streets.
Local Issue #14: Health and Hospitalization
This is another renewal and a decrease, so therefore taxes would actually fall. The issue would fund medical treatment of underinsured individuals at University Hospital and Children’s Medical Center, and help pay for inmate care, tuberculosis treatment and substance-abuse treatment.
The Newswire’s Stance: This issue provides needed funds to University Hospital and Children’s Medical Center – and the bill actually lowers your taxes! All funds raised would only be used for residents of Hamilton County. Opponents suggest that further study and planning needed to be done in regards to fund distribution – even though there were no prominent concerns the first time the issue was passed.
Greg Nicolas
President of the Xavier University College Democrats
What a difference two years can make. This week in 2004, John Kerry lost the Presidential election by a narrow margin, and the preeminent Democrat in Congress, Tom Daschle, lost his Senate reelection bid in South Dakota.
eactionary political pundits everywhere smelled blood in the water, gushing that the Democratic Party was experiencing a serious crisis and that the Democrats may never recover from these defeats. Now, two years later, the Democratic Party is about to prove these sensational prophecies wrong.
Democratic candidates this year offer new solutions and new leadership. In Columbus, Democrats like Ted Strickland will confront issues like the price of college education (which has doubled in state universities since 2000) and the “pay-to-play” atmosphere in the state capital. Strickland has also called for state funding of alternative energy to boost Ohio’s dismal economy.
In Washington, Democrats already have an agenda prepared in the event they win the Congress, an agenda which includes fully enacting the recommendations of the 9/11 commission and attaching congressional pay increases to raises in the minimum wage.
Democrats in Congress also plan on easing the burden of college tuition on middle America by cutting the interest on student loans by half, expanding federal Pell grants and making a college tuition tax deduction permanent (instead of the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy).
Most importantly, a Democratic Congress would begin the slow but necessary withdrawal of troops from Iraq after four years of occupation. By doing this, we can refocus our efforts on the war on terrorism, most notably in Afghanistan, which has recently seen a resurgence of the Taliban.
A new emphasis on battling terrorism also requires that we double the size of our Special Forces, which Congressional Democrats have also promised to do. Democrats are bringing new ideas and plans to the table.
A line from my favorite television show, The West Wing, goes as follows: “It’s a great country. Every two years we get to overthrow the government.” The Democratic Party is ready to step up and enact long overdue policies to help address many of the issues that affect us as college students. On November 7th, help put new blood into a government facing new challenges. Vote Democrat.
Joe Freytag, Rachel Bohlen, and Kevin Brigger
Xavier University College Republicans
As this important election draws nearer, the independent, open-minded voter begins to draw on all angles to decide who they shall vote for, and who shall represent them for either two, four, or six years. The Xavier University College Republicans want to give all you students who vote here at school a chance to understand why the members of the Republican Party running for Governor, U.S. Senate and U.S. House would be the best leaders to continue leading Ohio into the 21st Century.
It is obvious in Ohio that a change in leadership is needed. Ken Blackwell is that change.
Do not be deceived by the fact that he shares the same party as current governor Bob Taft; Blackwell and Taft could not be less alike. Ohio’s primary concern is our economy.
Within ten years, Ohio’s state spending has increased 71%. Blackwell has structured a plan to increase jobs, cut taxes and most importantly, curb government spending.
He also has been an avid supporter of education reform, specifically by ensuring that the money allotted for education is used in the most efficient manner.
Blackwell has proven leadership, serving as Ohio’s Secretary of State for eight years, where he has shown consistency and taken measures to increase government accountability.
Prior to that, he served in President George H.W. Bush’s administration and later as an ambassador to the United Nations Human Rights Commission.
Finally, Ken Blackwell has shown dedication to conservative values. He is a strong supporter of the pro-life movement, Ohio’s marriage amendment and second amendment rights.
Under a Blackwell administration, Ohio will get the change that is so desperately needed.
Senator Mike DeWine has represented Ohio in the United States Senate since 1995. Throughout his career, DeWine has constantly fought to keep taxes low. He helped pass two of the largest tax cuts in American history to help stimulate our economy.
He is pro-life except in the cases of incest, rape and danger of the life the mother. He is a supporter of the gun control laws, and in 2004, he co-sponsored an amendment to renew the ban on common semi-automatic weapons.
Senator DeWine introduced the Teacher Quality Act of 2001, which established programs that provide support for beginning teachers and provide pathways for professionals to begin a second career in education.
He will provide the best representation for Ohio in the U.S. Senate.
Steve Chabot has fought for the 1st Congressional District for 12 years. During that time, Congressman Chabot has been a strong advocate of controlling government spending, receiving the highest lifetime rating for any member of Congress from the Citizens Against Government Waste.
Chabot has supported tax cuts that have given more money back to citizens, and these tax cuts have driven the stock market and our economy to record levels.
Chabot authored the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003, has fought to protect Social Security and Medicare and has worked hard to protect tax-payers money from special interest.
Above all, Congressman Chabot has always fought to protect America. He voted for the Patriot Acts of 2001 and 2006, and the Secure Fence Act of 2006, strengthening America’s “War on Terror.”
Chabot has the experience to tackle the important issues that face Ohioans and Americans today.
If you’re an out-of-state student who votes in Ohio, you might be out of luck this election.
New requirements at polling places require that every voter have a valid photo ID with local address.
The problem for students this Tuesday will be if their driver’s license doesn’t match their local address.
If you are registered to vote locally, your out-of-state ID won’t be acceptable – and without a valid driver’s license, you might be turned away from the polls.
Acceptable forms of identification for voting include a current and valid photo identification, military identification, a copy of a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check or other government document showing your name and current address.
The photo ID must be issued by the United States government or the state of Ohio and must show all of the following: your name, current address and photo.
According to the Hamilton County Board of Elections website, some exceptions apply with a driver’s license or state ID if it shows a former address.
If you are told that your identification is invalid, you may still cast a provisional ballot. Provisional ballots are held until voting eligibility has been verified.
Briana Hansen
Political Analysis Coordinator
My very first act on my 18th birthday was to hop in my car and head over to the DMV so I could register to vote. I stood in line behind a man who could not stop coughing, sniffling and sneezing in every direction. When it was my turn, I marched up to the counter and anxiously proclaimed, “I want to register to vote!”
The woman gave me a far from enthusiastic stare, paused from smacking her gum for a moment and haphazardly handed me some paperwork.
Though it took a good three hours of waiting (that’s a DMV time of 12 minutes and 14 seconds), I was elated when I finally became a full-fledged American citizen.
I couldn’t understand why everyone around me didn’t share my excitement. I could finally have my opinion matter to people who make life-altering decisions. Why was I the only person teeming with enthusiasm about this significant day in the history of my life?
Three short years later, as I half-heartedly fill out my absentee voter ballot, I finally understand why more strangers at the DMV wished me a “happy birthday” on my 21st than even looked at me on my 18th.
Our parent’s generation blames us for not caring enough about the vote. They’re right. We don’t care. Why would we? Because we don’t care, nobody cares about us. We don’t vote because nobody talks about issues that interest us.
obody talks about issues that interest us because we don’t vote. As Fat Bastard would say, “It’s a vicious cycle.”
So why even bother, then? Because. Just…because. There are more reasons to vote than there are excuses not to vote. If you feel ignorant about the issues or the candidates, just make up your own standards.
For instance, I vote for the candidate with the least amount of negative ads. I’ve never trusted the person who feels it’s necessary to point out all of the reasons to be mean to the other guy.
A candidate should stand on their own ideas and merits, and should not spend thousands upon thousands of dollars tearing down “the other guy.”
For example, Steve Chabot recently ran an advertisement where he proudly shows off his ‘93 Buick. That’s the kind of stuff I want to know.
I also don’t vote for people who I only know through their label. They don’t say anything about themselves except “I’m a Republican” or “I’m a Democrat.” I was labeled “that loud girl” in middle school and “some band nerd” in high school. I don’t like labels.
I vote for the person who makes the most active effort to get out amongst his or her constituents. Politicians are not, and should not be, celebrities. I don’t get to vote on whether or not Britney Spears should pop out another baby or if Tom Cruise could be erased from the public’s memory.
Politicians should be held accountable for the stupid things they say and do, and every couple years I get to stick it to them by voting.
As for the issues, vote whatever feels right at the time. My favorite issue this year is the smoking ban. They’re both so ambiguous and full of crap.
I figure if people are stupid enough to smoke, I can be smart enough to stay away from them. A ban won’t make people quit altogether, and in the end, I’m still picking up their medical bills.
God bless you, mother America.
Steve Chabot
Republican (Incumbent)
Currently the U.S. Representative for the 1st District, Chabot is up for reelection to his seventh term. Prior to serving in the House, Chabot was a member of Cincinnati City Council and was a County Commissioner.
He is pro-life, having passed resolutions in Congress condemning abortion practices.
Chabot also claims to be a strong advocate for seniors while working to protect and strengthen Social Security and Medicare. He has co-sponsored legislation to stop the government from raiding the Social Security Trust Fund and pushed for a high-quality prescription drug plan for Medicare.
John Cranley
Democrat
Currently the U.S. Representative for the 1st District, Chabot is up for reelection to his seventh term. Prior to serving in the House, Chabot was a member of Cincinnati City Council and was a County Commissioner.
He is pro-life, having passed resolutions in Congress condemning abortion practices.
The Newswire’s Analysis:
When campaigning began so many months ago, it seemed that Chabot would not easily be challenged for his seat in the House. While most American citizens will admit that they are dissatisfied with the current sitting Congress, they are hesitant to point to their own representative as being a problem. With Steve Chabot, there were no obvious issues that his constituency would find him at fault. However, a scandal amongst Republicans on the National and State levels has been used to tarnish Chabot’s image.
We expected Chabot to squeak by and claim victory, but a recent announcement has thrown that into question: On Sunday, the generally conservative Cincinnati Enquirer endorsed John Cranley. The move by the Enquirer basically legitimizes any Republican voters who might be leaning to voting for Cranley – they will certainly feel more comfortable backing Cranley knowing the Enquirer did the same.
Ohio Gubernatorial race
Ken Blackwell
Republican
• Experience:
Current Secretary of State
• Jobs: Ken’s proposal to privatize the Ohio Turnpike will generate a $6 billion JOBS (Jobs for Ohio Businesses) Fund exclusively for job development.
Without increasing tolls or reducing maintenance, its job-building projects will offer worker retraining, entrepreneurial starter loans, cheaper, cleaner energy research and improved rural and Appalachian broadband access.
• Education: Ken Blackwell supports parents’ right to choose public, charter, alternative or home schooling, and he wants to expand the voucher program.
• Pro-Life & Pro-Marriage: Government has an obligation to protect innocent life and defend marriage.
• Defender of 2nd Amendment: As a life member of the National Rifle Association, Ken Blackwell is steadfast and resolute in his support for the right to bear arms.
Ted Strickland
Democrat
• Experience:
Five terms in Congress
• Education: Provide every child a fair start through access to high-quality early care and education, improve schools/technology; increase number of students in Ohio colleges by broadening access.
• Economy/Energy: Building on Ohio’s regional economies and globally competitive industries, spurring small and mid-size business growth, supporting emerging entrepreneurs in our cities, unleashing the potential of Ohio’s universities and investing in next generation energy as a job source.
• Health Care: Stabilize health costs for government and businesses alike and advance the health of our citizens by increasing the number of Ohioans who have access to affordable, high-quality healthcare.
• Jobs/Industry: Provide all Ohioans the opportunities to attain skills for high-quality jobs with a focus on industry sectors.
