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UMW students fired up about Obama's visit, regardless of their political preference Date published: 9/26/2008
BY JEFF BRANSCOME
University of Mary Washington junior Jenny Eikenberg canceled plans to go home this weekend because of what she calls a historic moment on the Fredericksburg campus. "Knowing that the first black presidential candidate is coming to my school and talking to us is something that I can't miss," she said yesterday. Democrat Barack Obama and his running mate, Delaware Sen. Joe Biden, are scheduled to hold a rally at UMW tomorrow at 5:15 p.m. It will be their first joint appearance in Virginia. Eikenberg said she's not sure whom she'll vote for, but she plans on buying one of 1,000 T-shirts that UMW's bookstore ordered for the rally. The shirt has UMW's logo on the front and the back reads: "Obama was there, Biden was there, I was there, UMW '08." "We came up with the ideas and ran it up the chain at the university," said bookstore manager Kathy Underwood. "We wanted to make sure it was appropriate." They go on sale today at a cost of $9.99. The money goes to the bookstore, not Obama's campaign. Natalie Weiner, president of UMW's Young Democrats, thinks most students will stick around for tomorrow's rally. She said the club plans to register voters, sign up volunteers and direct traffic at the event. Meanwhile, UMW's Young Republicans plan to attend sporting T-shirts for GOP candidate John McCain. Young Republicans President Kelly McCain (no relation) said it's exciting to have a presidential candidate visit the campus, even though she doesn't support him. "We're not planning to do anything to disrupt his speech," she said. "We just want to be there and be classy and let everybody know that we are indeed out there." The Young Republicans hope to eventually host McCain and his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, at UMW. UMW has hosted politicians on both sides of the aisle over the years. Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who pushed for the "Republican Contract with America," was the commencement speaker in spring of last year. And former President Clinton stumped for his wife, Hillary, at UMW in February. UMW Director of Debate Timothy O'Donnell said he's talked with students on the left and right who plan to attend the rally tomorrow. "This is relatively cost-free for us, and it brings tremendous exposure," he said. "More importantly it brings excitement and energy to the students." He said he thinks Obama's camp chose UMW partly because of the campus's location, halfway between Richmond and Washington. Student Government Association President Sean O'Brien said the appearance can only help the school. "I think it's really a good opportunity to show that the University of Mary Washington is really moving forward as one of Virginia's premier institutions," he said. Jeff Branscome: 540/374-5402
Date published: 9/26/2008
The UMW bookstore is a not a state run business...taxpayers do not pay for the bookstore and its revenue is not associated with state funding of the university. Therefore the bookstore, like Borders or Barnes and Noble, can sell whatever they want.
We are honored to have you visit our town and most of us understand that in a Democracy we are open to hearing both candidates, not centered on banning t-shirt sales.
Who really cares whether or not FLS will report it. I see it as an opportunity for the campus bookstore to exercise their "free enterprise" rights and make a buck! I am quite sure if and when McCain and the "hockey mom" come to visit, the bookstore will do the same. Sometimes government can stick their nose too far up our arses!
That was the order from the Attorney General's office to the UMW bookstore. They must stop selling the t-shirts immediately. I wonder if the FLS will report that?
...if McCain & Palin hold a rally there, UMW will be printing up tee shirts for them as well.
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