Oct 10, 2002 
Break the Maryland voting status quo 

As we get into the final 30 days of the election, this
university is becoming more and more aware of the
significance of the gubernatorial race. And as we get
closer and closer and the election remains a dead heat,
the candidates are trying to get any votes they can.
There was an article in Monday's Diamondback about
Kathleen Kennedy Townsend finally coming to the
university in a town hall meeting ("Townsend to host
campus forum today," Oct. 7). Usually town hall meetings
involve lots of people from the university asking
inquisitive questions of the candidate. This also
involves lots of publicity letting the students know
about the opportunity to meet the candidate face-to-face.
Did you have ample opportunity to learn about the event
and make time to come and ask her some questions?

Since the beginning of the summer, I have been planning
an event that would allow students from the entire
university to meet Robert Ehrlich and ask him any
questions they might have. From day one, Ehrlich campaign
officials have fully supported this idea, as they have
understood the importance of the college vote, especially
here at the flagship university. Next Monday, this town
hall meeting with 1,000 college students from not only
the university, but also the state, becomes a reality.
Many of you have heard skewed ads from Townsend, or
reports in the newspaper about Ehrlich. Many of you know
he's a Republican, and therefore won't even consider
voting for him. But before you completely make up your
mind, why don't you come out and hear what he has to say?
There will be a question and answer period if there any
issues you would like to discuss. There were a total of
three student questions asked of Townsend on Monday, with
the rest from the faculty. Every question next Monday
will be from the students, because this whole event was
put together for their benefit.

I know a number of you think that all Republicans are
rich, heartless fascists. Many of you have also grown up
in a highly Democratic state and therefore haven't given
the chance for a Republican to prove otherwise. Come on
Monday to meet a moderate Republican, a common sense
Republican, who will disprove all your stereotypes.
Before you discount the candidate, hear him out. Maryland
has been under Democratic control since the mid-1960s. Do
you believe we have gone in the right direction? Do you
think it's a problem that we have the budget problems,
the juvenile justice problems, the education problems and
the numerous other issues that bring down this state?
Voters within this state continue to vote the status quo,
because it's the easier thing to do. For once, hear out
the other side and give it a chance.

This whole meeting is about educating you, the college
voter, about a campaign that only the university's media
and most politically active college students really
follow. Ask questions and learn what you can about one of
the sides. Become an educated voter. Let's also remember
that the position of governor affects only what goes on
in this state. Debates on Iraq, the conflict in the
Middle East, the International Monetary Fund and other
non-state issues are not what a governor deals with. It
is the budget, taxes, crime, education and so forth.
Peace Forum and LaRouche supporters, please keep this in
mind before you guys decide to try and stage a huge
protest simply because he is running as a Republican.

The town hall meeting with Congressman Bob Ehrlich, wife
Kendel Ehrlich and running mate Michael Steele will be
held Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. at the Memorial Chapel. Tickets
must be ordered to attend the event. 

Seth Schraier is a senior criminology and criminal
justice, economics and government and politics major.  
He is also chairman of the Maryland Federation of College
Republicans. He can be reached at sethd@wam.umd.edu.