Ron Paul wins CMU College Republicans straw poll
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.
