As the California presidential primary quickly approaches, students and community members unsure of whom to vote for can turn to the Cal Poly College Republicans as an option.
Local and state-level campaign representatives will represent six top Republican candidates: former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Arizona Sen. John McCain, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and Texas Rep. Ron Paul.
“Lots of Cal Poly students are undecided on who to vote for. Having a debate like this will assist in their decision-making,” said Christina Chiappe, president of the Cal Poly College Republicans.
The Cal Poly College Republicans and the Lincoln Club of San Luis Obispo will host a Republican presidential debate tonight at 7 p.m. in Cal Poly’s Alex and Faye Spanos Theatre. The event is free and open to the public.
The campaign representatives will answer preselected questions from members of the Cal Poly College Republicans as well as questions from audience members.
“By getting their questions answered directly from the campaign, students should get a clearer idea of who they want to vote for,” Chiappe said.
Biology senior Dana Brandlin thinks she will benefit from the event.
“I’m planning on voting, but I don’t know a lot about any of the candidates. This debate could definitely help inform me,” she said.
She isn’t the only one undecided. A Cable News Network/Los Angeles Times/Politico poll taken on Monday said that 61 percent of Californian Republican primary voters are unsure of whom to vote for.
Electrical engineering senior Marvin Byrd thinks voters aren’t informed enough. “I think I’m voting for McCain, but if (this debate) gives me more information, I would take that into consideration,” he said.
Chiappe hopes that students of other political parties will attend the debate as well. “We hope to inform everyone of the issues,” she said.
Regardless of political leanings, this event offers students and community members an opportunity to learn more about the political process, a key component to democracy, said Laura Freberg, the Cal Poly College Republicans faculty adviser.
“I think liberal and independent voters would find the debate useful, even if they are unable to vote for these candidates in the primary. It’s part of being an informed, educated adult,” she said.
Civil engineering junior Jessi Cohen agreed. “Any way of getting information to students is good, and anything that encourages students to vote is great,” she said.
The California primary takes place Feb. 5, during which citizens who are registered to vote can fill out their ballots for their preferred presidential candidate as well as vote on state propositions.