The Guardian Online - College Republicans Welcome Mike DeWine

The Guardian Online - College Republicans Welcome Mike DeWine

The Guardian Online
Mailinh Nguyen

U.S. Senator Mike DeWine came to Wright State and answered questions from the WSU College Republicans.

Though the visit was short notice, students involved with the WSU College Republicans came prepared with questions for DeWine.

From serious topics about immigration to dependency of oil and light topics about what it's like working with Ted Kennedy, DeWine fully answered every question that came his way.

On the topic of the dependency of oil, DeWine said oil is the driving force for power which the reason why the world needs to move away from oil and find other alternatives for fuel.

DeWine expanded on the topic by saying that it also has to do with the technology that is being developed to find alternatives for fuel and that the U.S. needs to be a part of the technology.

When a student asked DeWine how he felt about the issue of President Bush wanting the National Guard stationed at the border between the U.S. and Mexico, DeWine said that he had to wait and hear what President Bush had to say. DeWine added that he felt the National Guard has been put through a lot because they were also sent to Iraq.

"The question in the United States," said DeWine, "as this technology is being developed is are we going to be a buyer of this technology or are we going to be a seller?"

Changing the mood to a much lighter subject, another student asked what it was like to work with Ted Kennedy.

After a laugh, DeWine said, "He's an interesting guy." Adding that Kennedy, who's been in the senate since 1962 is also easy to work with and that DeWine can sometimes find some common ground with Kennedy.

"The one thing about being in politics is that you meet some very interesting people, it doesn't mean you agree with them," said DeWine, "you learn that there are some people you can work with and find some common ground you think you couldn't work with."
Students who came to the event expressed their thoughts about DeWine coming to speak.

"I'm interested in what he has to say," said Kenneth Bryant Jr., a sophomore in political science.

"I'm excited and interested in what he has to say and where he stands on all the issues," said Shane Centers, a sophomore in finance.

"I think it's a great opportunity for the students at Wright State, who are usually apathetic, to come out and see their senator," said Matt Janson, a sophomore in management information systems, "and ask some questions. See what the issues are and possibly get more involved in politics in general."

DeWine, who is running for re-election for U.S. Senator, has been a part of the senate since January 1995, saying that he wanted to work on things that mattered.

Before entering the senate, DeWine has also worked as a County Prosecutor, Ohio State Senator, U.S. Congressman and Lieutenant Governor.

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