Campus Republicans plan for Bush reelection

Dozens of Princeton students headed north during intersession to support their candidates in the New Hampshire Democratic primary. Meanwhile, many students are actively planning for the campaign to reelect President Bush.

Republican activism has been minimal so far because most are waiting for the Democratic field to narrow to one, Republicans on campus said. John Andrews '05, former editor of the conservative campus magazine The Tory, pointed out that because the incumbent president has no real challengers in his own party, campaigning in the primaries is probably unnecessary.

The former head of the Clio wing of the Whig-Cliosophic Society, Matt Gold '06, agreed that it is "a little early to be out there mobilizing." Gold is currently working with political groups on campus to create a nonpartisan organization focused on voter registration.

As the election takes shape, however, the level of activity on the Republican side will undoubtedly increase. Evan Baehr '05, president of the Princeton College Republicans, promised significant student involvement in the reelection campaign.

"The CR membership is active and growing, with more than 400 members, and is willing to put in the time to see that Bush is reelected," he said in an email.

The College Republicans will likely participate in many of the same activities recently undertaken by students in New Hampshire, such as rallies, literature drops, mailings, fundraisers and burma shaves, which consist of putting up signs along the road.

Baehr also said activism will not be limited to the upcoming presidential election. Republican Bill Spadea is running against Democrat Rush Holt for the congressional seat in New Jersey's Twelfth District, which includes Princeton. Baehr expected some students to take part in Spadea's campaign, which may help galvanize local support for Bush.

As they make plans for later in the election season, conservative students are also sizing up the competition Bush could face. Some predict the President will easily win another four years, while others think it will be a tough race. Baehr sees Sen. John Kerry and Gen. Wesley Clark as possible challengers.

"The President will have to work in this campaign," he said.

Andrews, on the other hand, does not foresee a difficult electoral battle. After the close election in 2000, the Democrats need to win some of the states Al Gore lost, he said, and Kerry will not be able to do it.

Regarding military experience, Andrews said, Bush has proven himself in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Gold said the Democrats must settle on a candidate quickly if they hope to challenge Bush. With progress in Iraq and a recovering economy, prolonged infighting will only hurt their chances, he said.