The College Republicans were restarted in the spring semester of 2017 by current President senior and political science pre-law major, Brian McLaughlin. The College Republicans officially received funding this fall 2018 semester and are now seen as an official organization on campus after restarting the program about a year and a half ago.
“I came here and saw all these left-leaning institutions. I wanted to have some kind of representation for right-wing students and to have that to counterbalance the left wing,” McLaughlin said. “I feel like those people needed a voice and people to talk with that think like them.”
Most of the College Republicans believe in the same conservative principles such as small government, free market, lower taxes, and an overall patriotic and nationalist feeling. Not everyone in the organization classifies as straight conservative. The College Republicans also consist of many Libertarians which also falls on the right side of the political spectrum.
“We don’t all think the same way, there are some people that love Trump and there are some people that are more Cruz conservatives, more socially conservative and that’s their main thing,” McLaughlin said. “Generally, we agree on most things when it comes to politics.”
This semester the College Republicans held a mini voter registration and candidate awareness in order to raise awareness for the upcoming midterm elections. Previously, the organization has held various informative tables and panels. Last year there was a debate held between the College Republicans and College Democrats.
On October 30 at 6 Pm in ATS 132, the College Republicans will be showing Death of a Nation directed by Dinesh D’Souza. “Hopefully [Death of a Nation] is a way that we can spark political debate about the scope of American politics now,’ McLaughlin said.
In order to prepare and raise awareness for the upcoming midterm elections, the College Republicans put out a couple of informational things that show which candidates support what that can be found on both sides of the candidate’s website. In meetings, they have also talked about the specific candidates running.
The College Republicans meet the first and third Thursday of each month from 12:30 to 1:30 in Spotts 113.
If you want to learn more about the College Republicans, you can follow them on Twitter @SRUGOP and on Instagram @ sru_gop.
