Last week, several letters to the editor attempted to defend the recent actions of the College Republicans by turning the tables on Rock the Vote and the College Democrats. In particular, Kara Bailey speculates in her Sept. 22 submission that should Rock the Vote organize a voter registration initiative in Granger or a likewise conservative community, the College Democrats would withdraw their support.
It is funny that Bailey specifically cites Granger as an example of a town she thinks the Democrats would likely abandon. In actuality, local Democrats, including several members of the College Democrats are actively canvassing in Granger on behalf of the 2nd Congressional District Democratic candidate Joe Donnelly. Unlike the College Republicans, we Democrats believe that our party platform has something to offer to all Americans. We do not shy away from registering voters from any walk of life. Last spring, our club participated in a campus wide non-partisan voter registration drive, yet another testament to the fact that we believe in the inclusive ideals of our party and are not afraid of who will be showing up to the polls on Election Day. On the other hand, by rejecting opportunities to register urban minority voters, the College Republicans sent the message to the Notre Dame community that the Republican Party is an exclusive organization that can't be bothered registering certain groups of people to vote because they can only offer benefits to those who meet a certain profile.
Nicola Bunick
co-President, College Democrats
junior
Lyons Hall
Sept. 24