Letter to the editor on debate

EDITOR'S NOTE:
The following is a letter written by Jordan Richardson, president of the Marshall University College Republicans.

The Marshall University College Republicans hosted a primary debate on Saturday, April 17 for the Republican candidates running for the 3rd Congressional District. The candidates included Lee Bias, Marty Gearhart and Conrad Lucas. The debate was in Marshall University's Memorial Student Center, and was hosted by Tom Roten of 800 WVHU. Huntington Mayor Kim Wolfe gave the opening address. More than 70 attended.

The event included questions from the moderator about a wide range of issues and the audience was given a chance to ask questions of their own. Following the debate was a reception for those who wished to remain and speak personally with the candidates to express their opinions and concerns.

As one of the largest political groups on campus, we are aware of the challenges that students face when elections take place. Many do not have the time or interest to pay attention to candidates' positions during a campaign, and when faced with a decision to choose between politicians on the ballot, they are unfortunately unaware of who they are voting for. Even worse, some students feel their voices do not matter, and will not even bother to vote.

The problem is compounded when those students who have paid attention to the news and wish to express their will through the ballot are unaware of how to vote. Many on Marshall's campus are from other states or counties, and this creates a disconnect on election day when students assume they are ineligible to vote or are confused by the process.

These challenges have serious repercussions on our campus and community. Thomas Jefferson said, "Whenever the people are well informed, they can be trusted with their own government; that whenever things get so far wrong as to attract their notice, they may be relied on to set them to rights." As a student organization that has strong ties to national and local politics, we believe it is in the interest of the Marshall community to sponsor events that inform students about how they can be a part of the political process.

With the 3rd Congressional District seat in the balance, it becomes important to know who will represent us for the future. On April 17, Marshall and the wider Huntington area were given a unique opportunity to listen to the views of the Republican candidates running for this office. We believe this is a step in the right direction to inform students about the role they can play in deciding our nation's future.