FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Patrick Fields
January 16, 2008 patrick.fields@mu.edu

O-Fest Kickoff and Straw Poll Results

MILWAUKEE, WI – Winter O-Fest kicked off today at 4pm in the AMU Ballrooms. Marquette College Republicans were out in force recruiting new members and asking people to vote in their presidential straw poll. The College Republicans’ table was staffed by CR members Justin Phillips, Sarah Pace, and Eric Greenwald. In addition to having a sign up sheet for new members, they also had information on Scott Walker’s Re-Election internships.

The poll was a hit among passing students who wanted to make their choices known. The Students for Ron Paul group was adjacent to the College Republicans table and many students showed enthusiastic support for Congressman Paul. In total, there were 72 Republican votes and 38 Democrat votes cast for a total of 110 votes. The winner of the party vote among Republicans was Ron Paul with 31.9%. In second place was John McCain with 30.6% and Mitt Romney came in third with 18.1%.

On the Democratic side Barack Obama came in a strong first gathering 76.3% of his party’s vote, and Dennis Kucinich came in second with13.2%. As for the percentage of the entire popular vote Barack Obama came in first with 26.3%, Ron Paul was second with 20.9%, and John McCain came in third with 20% followed by Mitt Romney with 11.8%.

With the new semester off to a start the College Republicans wanted to make their presence known among the other student groups that were represented in the AMU Ballrooms. The Wisconsin Primary on Feburary 19th could play a major role in the nomination process and the College Republicans hope to get students informed and involved as soon as possible.

“Even though it’s still primary season, what happens in these campaigns now can impact results in the fall,” said Allison Herre, Secretary of Marquette College Republicans. “Students should be aware of the impact this election will have on the country and we want to inform students of how they can get involved and support the candidate of their choice.”
###

“Paid for by the College Republicans at Marquette University, Brent Downs, Treasurer. NOT authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. MU CRs, an association of students attending Marquette University, is registered with, but separate from, Marquette University.”