Ron Paul came in first in a straw poll conducted Tuesday by the College Republicans.

In total, 101 people participated in the straw poll. Ron Paul came in first with 49 percent, followed by Mitt Romney with 36 percent. Rick Santorum came in third with 11 percent, followed by Newt Gingrich with 4 percent and Fred Karger with 1 percent. Buddy Roemer did not receive any votes.

When looking at the enthusiasm of the candidates’ supporters, Santorum had the highest enthusiasm with 64 percent of his supporters identifying as somewhat or very likely to vote. When considering how likely participants were to vote in Michigan’s Feb. 28 primary, 42 percent said they were very likely, 11 percent said somewhat likely, 14 percent said it was a 50-50 chance, 8 percent said they were somewhat unlikely and 25 percent said they were very unlikely to vote.

“My views are more conservative, because that’s how I was raised,” said Merrill junior Angelica Moore. ”I really like Ron Paul. I think he has a lot of great ideas, so that’s how I based my decision.”

Students of all political parties were encouraged to take part in the poll.

Farmington Hills junior Jessica Williams, a  member of College Republicans, said there seems to be a smaller Republican base on campus, which is why some people may have been discouraged from taking part in the straw poll.

“This poll at least encourages people to see the names and do more research on who’s running,” Williams said. “It’s important to remain current despite what your beliefs may be.”

The registered student organization advertised the straw poll on their Facebook page and through word of mouth. Booths were set up outside and inside the Bovee University Center. The tables contained ballots and business cards with information of meeting times for the RSO.

“Even those who didn’t vote walked by and started conversations with their friends about registering to vote,” said Port Huron sophomore and CR member Alex Porrett. “It is not about who wins the straw poll; we just want to make people aware of the importance of the upcoming primary.”

Upcoming events for College Republicans will include a trip to Washington D.C. for the Conservative Political Action Conference next week. CPAC will feature prominent Republican speakers and Congressmen. In April, College Republicans plans to salute troops from Michigan who are stationed overseas by having students sign a banner that will be mailed to a specific platoon.

They will also be conducting voter registration drives and volunteering for candidates, both at the national and local level leading up to the election.

“We learned today that CMU students are actively involved in the political process. Students showed an eagerness to make their voices heard and to influence the outcome of the presidential election,” said Grand Rapids senior and Vice Chairman Ben Greene. “We hope to see this level of eagerness and enthusiasm extend through the general election.”

College Republicans hold meetings at 9 p.m. every Tuesday in Anspach Hall room 169.

College Republicans is hosting a presentation Wednesday for the Green Scissors Campaign, which proposes to cut $200 billion from the federal budget in areas where government funding is used inefficiently and harms the environment.

A panel of three environmentally conscious conservatives will speak about the campaign’s plan to eliminate harmful spending. Clinton Township senior Stephanie Jaczkowski, a member of College Republicans, is excited to see how the panel will explain how the budget can be cut while simultaneously helping the environment.

“A lot of people think that people being conservative and fiscally responsible come at the cost of being environmentally conscious,” Jaczkowski said. “It’s basically taking complete opposite ends of the spectrum and putting them into a compromise that’s really unique.”

Panelists include Rob Sisson, the national president of the Republicans for Environment; Ryan Alexander, the executive director for the Taxpayers for Common Sense; and Lisa Wozniak, the executive director for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters.

The Green Scissors Campaign proposes funding cuts in four different sub-groups: energy, agriculture and biofuels, infrastructure and public lands. The proposal would cut the most money from the oil, gas, coal and nuclear energy industries, believing almost $100 billion of government spending is wasted on the energy sources.

Coleman junior John Porter serves as the treasurer for College Republicans, and he said he believes there are two great messages students can take away from the presentation. Porter said he thinks that both the environment and the budget are = prevalent to his generation.

“The main priority is to find a way to reduce the federal budget, but there’s also a need for sustainability in the environment,” Porter said. “They’re cutting programs that were very wasteful to begin with.”

If a shutdown occurs, it could last anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks. The most recent shutdown began in December 1995, lasting 21 days. Toby Roth, CMU’s director of federal programs, government relations and public affairs, said a shutdown would likely not last for a long time.

“I can’t see how they can shut the government down for an extended period of time,” he said.

Federal workers will be affected in the case of a shutdown. The workers are separated into two categories: “essential/expected” and “non-essential,” according to the Washington Post.

Essential workers perform emergency work involving human-life safety or the protection of property, or perform minimal activities as necessary to execute an orderly suspension of agency operations related to non-essential activities, or other types of essential work.

Non-essential workers would be placed on leave of absence and Congress will determine whether they will be reimbursed for their pay. They are not allowed to volunteer to do work during the shutdown nor can they accept paid leave.

It would be the first government shutdown that Bryant English, College Democrats member and Student Government Association vice president-elect, can remember. He said he is curious to find out what happens.

“What’s most concerning is that most parties cannot put their politics aside and work for the people,” the Jackson junior said.

The Federal Housing Administration would withhold home loan guarantees. Medicare would be funded for at least a short period of time and current beneficiaries would continue receiving their social security benefits, the Post said.

Taxes still need to be finished on time and be postmarked by April 18.

All national parks will be closed during a shutdown, including Michigan’s six.

“They keep bickering and playing a game of politics,” English said. “I’m just tired of the games.”

Stephanie Jaczkowski, Clinton Township senior and College Republicans first vice chair, said both sides need to work together and compromise.

“I think it’s really unfortunate that we’re so far into the fiscal year and still facing this,” Jaczkowski said.

She believes that in the event of a shutdown, Congress members should not receive checks if federal workers do not.

“It would be extremely unfortunate if we couldn’t give our military personnel risking their lives the money they deserve for working 24 hours a day and being so far away from their families,” Jaczkowski said.

Rep. Dave Camp, R-Midland, is not in favor of a shutdown.

“Americans don’t want to shut down, the congressman is committed to cutting spending and wants the government to run efficiently,” said Megan Piwowar, Camp’s director of communications. “(The shutdown) would just be a waste.”

They’ve taken it to a larger scale this election season while working for Republican Kevin Cotter’s and Democrat Toni Sessoms’ campaigns for the 99th district state House seat.

Shamaly, vice president of College Democrats, started working as a communications intern and consultant for Sessoms over the summer, while College Republicans first vice chair Travis Faber has served as Cotter’s campaign manager since the end of last school year.

Faber volunteered to work for Cotter after Cotter’s first campaign event and worked his way up the ladder from there. Faber said he jumped in head first after hearing Cotter’s message.

“You have to find someone who strongly believes in what you believe in,” the Battle Creek senior said. “I’ve got a great candidate.”

He describes his job as doing “anything and everything”, and said his main job was to help get Cotter’s message to voters.

Shamaly was in charge of public relations material for Sessoms’ campaign over the summer, including graphic design work. Now she continues to work with the campaign during the final push.

She was involved with President Barack Obama’s campaign in 2008, but this was her first local work. She said her experience helped both herself and Sessoms.

“I think we both benefitted from each other,” the Clinton Township junior said. “I think what a lot of candidates lack, while they may be strong in policy or law, is communicating with citizens.”

Faber and Shamaly aren’t the only students working for the two campaigns. Shamaly said the College Democrats broadcast any opportunity to get involved to their members and Cotter said about 20 students have been involved with his campaign.

Sessoms said she’s been involved with the College Democrats over the last two years and met Shamaly before her internship. Sessoms was surprised at Shamaly’s willingness to do any job.

“If it needed to be done, she’d do it,” Sessoms said. “I knew she was a worker. I found out she was even more of a worker this summer.”

Faber’s student status didn’t stop Cotter from naming him an important position within the campaign.

“It wasn’t a spur of the moment decision,” Cotter said. “I was really impressed with his interest, his political knowledge and his interest in the campaign.”

Faber said he feels great about his candidate’s chances and his efforts as a whole.

“I think it’s been really effective,” he said. “Kevin Cotter could have gotten elected by himself. People love Kevin Cotter.”

Schoolwork has caused Shamalay to pull back her efforts a bit, but she said she helps whenever she’s needed because she feels it’s necessary.

“It’s your civic duty to be involved somehow,” Shamaly said. “I do it because not everyone’s going to be an activist.”

The lieutenant governor candidate, who is running with gubernatorial candidate Rick Snyder for office in November, spoke Thursday afternoon in Grawn Hall.

Calley said the lieutenant governor’s role, the primary job of which is managing the legislative process, is not significant enough to take a six-figure salary.

“I’m not interested in waiting to see if Rick gets hit by a bus,” he said about the role to take on the governor’s duties if Snyder were somehow unable. “I am interested in a cabinet position.”

Six members of College Republicans were in attendance.

Ben Greene, a Grand Rapids junior, said Calley was well-spoken and impressive because he wants to take on a cabinet position — either state treasurer or state budget director.

“He had an inspired message,” Greene said.

Calley said if he took on one of the cabinet roles, which are traditionally appointed by the governor, then the six-figure salary could potentially be eliminated.

He also briefly discussed strategy with the students.

“It’s a great Republican year,” he said. “We’re back in style. But if we don’t deliver what the voters expect, the shoe may be on the other foot in 2012.”

During his visit, Calley criticized the state’s tax credits to the movie industry, calling them “flashy, but not sustainable.” He also lashed out at the spending habits of the University of Michigan and Michigan State and Wayne State universities.

Calley said it is unlikely there will be a change in recent higher education state funding cuts. He said both he and Snyder had extensive educational backgrounds and value the higher educational systems.

Stephanie Jaczkowski, a Clinton Township junior, said Calley was correct — additional funding would not appear likely for higher education in the short term.

“You can’t just flick a switch with the new governor and the money appears,” she said. “It was my first time hearing him speak … and he is very interesting.”

Bill Ballenger, editor of Inside Michigan Politics and former Griffin Endowed Chair, said he expects lower voter turnout for 18 to 24-year olds for two reasons: voter apathy and disillusionment with President Barack Obama and the Democratic Party.

“Younger voters … are the most poorly participating sector of the electorate,” he said.

Sterling Heights senior Mark Regan is not voting in the November election.

“I won’t be voting because I don’t feel I have done enough research on the election,” he said. “I don’t like to vote arbitrarily.”

On the other hand, Ashlee Shelley plans on voting Nov. 2.

The Spring Lake freshman said the primary issue for her is the war in Afghanistan because her brother is serving there. Though she wasn’t old enough to vote in 2008, she’d kept a close eye on the presidential race.

“The national election is more important to me,” she said.

An apathetic election?

Ballenger said in 2008, Obama and the Democratic Party revved up young voters’ support.

“There was marginally more turnout in 2008, but not as large as everyone thought it would be,” he said. “Now, all of that is gone. Things are back to usual if you will — apathetic.”

He said he does not expect young people to be as supportive of Barack Obama or the Democratic party in November.

Grand Rapids junior and College Republican Ben Greene said he has seen a distinct shift in the way Republicans are approaching the 2010 elections, both nationally and within Michigan.

“I think that the Republicans were complacent in 2008,” he said. “But in 2010, we are more focused on the goals we want to achieve.”

Greene said the newfound focus of the Republican Party and conservative movement will serve the party well on Nov. 2. He said the most important issue in Michigan is job creation and that is why there seems to be more interest in this election than the last.

“Jobs are the number one priority,” Greene said. “It’s something that both sides of the aisle understand.”

College Democrats Vice President Michelle Shamaly agreed and said the primary issue within the state is job creation.

“Students are frustrated in Michigan, just like they were with the country in 2008,” the Clinton Township junior said. “Students are concerned with being able to find a job after graduating.”

Shamaly said she thinks some students, especially those who voted for Barack Obama in 2008, considered Obama’s election to be the change they desired, without realizing it would take time.

“If we really want that change we voted for in 2008, we need to continue to elect progressive Democrats,” she said.

More college students are aware of what is happening statewide because education funding affects all of them, Shamaly said.

Education funding is one of the issues she is most concerned with in Michigan.

“I did a lot of research on grants and scholarships and a lot of them weren’t available anymore,” Shamaly said. “It can make paying for college pretty hard.”

But have no fear, there are many options available.

To register students can visit the Secretary of State in person, 1245 N. Mission St., or online at www.michigan.gov/sos, the clerk office, 320 W. Broadway St., the state Department of Human Services and voter registration drives.

Brad O’Donnell, College Democrats president and Clinton Township senior, recommends students register to vote at their local Mount Pleasant address because if registering online or at a voter registration drive, first time voting must be done in person, and not by absentee ballot.

“It’s very difficult (to go home and vote),” O’Donnell said. “Most people don’t want to go home on a Tuesday, they have jobs, school obviously, but they can certainly go down the street and vote here.”

College Democrats have held numerous voter registration drives, he said. They have registered approximately 1300 voters.

Travis Faber, first vice chair of College Republicans and Battle Creek senior, said he was unable to comment on how many voters the College Republicans have registered, but does want as many people as possible registered to vote.

“I’m encouraging everyone to get registered before the deadline,” Faber said.

Chris Pankow, a Williamston senior, has voted by both absentee ballot and by going home, but finds it easier to just head home on Election Day.

“There’s a lot of paperwork with absentee,” Pankow said. “It’s a nice time at home.”

To vote by absentee ballot, students must submit an application to their local city or township clerk before 2 p.m. the Saturday preceding the election, Oct. 30 this year. Voting by absentee ballot is an option only available to those who have personally submitted their voter registration application or who have voted in-person in a previous election.

In order to vote in the state of Michigan, applicants must be over the age of 18, a U.S. citizen and a resident of a Michigan city or township for at least 30 days.

Thirty people joined the College Republicans to pay tribute to Caul, R-Mount Pleasant, at the Blue Gator Sports Pub and Grill, 106 N. Court St. He was elected to his wife, Sandy’s, former seat in 2005 and will retire because of term limits this January.

Upon his retirement, Caul said he intends to stay in Mount Pleasant with his wife, but also is excited to have additional time to visit his four grandchildren.

“The best part (of being state representative) was the opportunity to meet so many people in Clare, Isabella and Midland counties,” Caul said.

Kevin Cotter, who is a Republican running to replace Caul in the 99th district, said one of the best things about Caul as a representative is how accessible he was.

“I have some big shoes to fill,” Cotter said. “Bill was very active in appropriations and higher education (committees), and CMU is much better off for it.”

Cotter said CMU has expanded in difficult economic times, and that is a testament to Caul’s work. Cotter cited the Health Professions building, the Rose Area expansion, the Education building and new residence halls which were erected during Caul’s tenure.

Judy Emmons, a former state representative and Michigan state senate nominee for Isabella, Montcalm, Ionia and Clinton counties, said Caul was a good mentor.

“Bill was a true statesman,” Emmons said. “If you want to model yourself after someone, model yourself after Bill Caul.”

Caul and his wife’s chief of staff, Ryan Wenburg, said the greatest accomplishment of the representative was getting “Mary’s Law,” a piece of legislation which requires domestic violence suspects to wear global positioning system technology, signed into law. Wenburg said they are pleased with everything they have accomplished for the university as well.

Former Caul intern, vice-chairman of the College Republicans and Coleman sophomore John Porter gave closing remarks at the event and noted when Caul took office in 2005 the year had an extra second.

“We can all agree we were fortunate to keep Bill for every extra second,” Porter said.

The voter registration deadline for the November elections is Oct. 4.

Applications are available at local clerk offices, state agencies, Secretary of State offices, voter registration drives and on the Secretary of State website, www.michigan.gov/sos.

Michigan applicants must be U.S. citizens, have resided in a Michigan city or township for over 30 days and be over age 18 by election day, according to the Secretary of State.

Both of Central Michigan University’s student political clubs, College Democrats and Republicans, hold voter registration drives. College Democrats have already registered 761 students and hope to register 5000 by the registration deadline.

“We’re focusing on apartment complexes and residential halls,” said Brad O’Donnell, president of College Democrats and Clinton Township senior. “There’re a plethora of things we’re doing to get students registered.”

College Republicans didn’t give specific details on their voter registration drives, but Travis Faber, first vice chair of the organization, said they will hold some voter registration events.

“We are going to encourage all of the students to register to vote,” the Battle Creek senior said.

Registering is only the first step for students who may be unable to get back to their registered area.

To register for an absentee ballot, voters should submit an application to their local city or township clerk. The application must be received by 2 p.m. the Saturday preceding the election and may be obtained from the Secretary of State’s website.

A person who registers to vote by mail must be present in person for the first election in which they participate.