A tale of two parties – College Republicans

Both Michael DeVietro and Mark Krsak agree that in a Republican primary with no clear frontrunner, the strategy for Republicans should be to focus on issues and not specific candidates.

Portland State College Republicans President DeVietro and Vice President Krsak both say they like what they are hearing in the Republican race, and it promises positive change. They have a hope for this election year.

“What we’d like to see is a record number of young voters speaking up for what they believe in,” DeVietro said. “It doesn’t even have to be for a specific candidate.”

There are many events the PSU College Republicans are planning to attend and hold this election year, including traveling to the Dorchester Conference in Seaside, Ore., on Feb. 29. None of the events the group will be holding will focus on any one candidate.

“We’re focusing our events on issues, rather than specific candidates,” Krsak said, to which DeVietro added, “And we’re planning on hosting forums such as an event for capitalism, instead of a rally for Romney.”

DeVietro previously worked with the College Republican National Committee, and has experience with elections. Following the Super Tuesday primary, the College Republicans say they are planning to host discussions and events on campus in hopes of attracting those passionate about positive change, and to raise support for issues such as the status of the economy and the war in Iraq. Dates for these are not yet set.

There are five Republican candidates still left in the race with many different ideas, and DeVietro said the group will start grassroots campaigning.

“If you don’t have that grassroots effort–people knocking on doors, ringing phones, waving signs,” DeVietro said, “nobody’s going to care.”