Members of two UT political organizations tried to swing votes to their respective parties in an important election for the state’s balance of power on Tuesday.
Both the UT College Democrats and College Republicans helped their party rally votes in Tennessee’s District 12 elections for the vacant seat left by Congressman Lincoln Davis, D-5th District.
“It’s important because this election can help decide the balance of power in the state Senate,” said Zac Wright, president of the College Democrats. “We will be out there knocking on doors and trying to influence voters. I definitely think college students will have an impact on this election.”
The Democrats are supporting candidate Tommy Kilby, and the Republicans are supporting votes for Mark Goins. While the election doesn’t fall in their home voting district, UT Republicans President Adam Groves said the election is important to GOP members across the state.
“As it stands now, winning this election will put Republican party one seat back from retaking a majority in the Tennessee Senate,” Groves said. “So we are going to do everything we can to assure that result, whether it be handing out pamphlets or going from house to house.”
Groves said he felt his party had an advantage in the predominately Republican region.
“East Tennessee is very conservative,” Groves said. “They still tend to vote very democratic, which may actually be a hold over from the Civil War. But (President George W.) Bush won most of the area, so I think the Republican party should do well.”
Wright said the election would set a good example to state legislators about the impact college students can make on state elections. He said if members of the College Democrats could touch at least 1,000 voters in the district, the Democratic Party would prevail.
“Members of the state legislature don’t always take college students seriously because of the low voter turnout on college campuses,” Wright said. “When they see members of UT’s Democrats and other schools out there helping their party, they will begin to take us more seriously.”
Election results were unavailable at press time, but both parties will see if their efforts helped in shaping the face of Tennessee politics. Both Wright and Groves said their efforts might seem small but will have lasting effects.
“It’s a close race, and if our work is done correctly, we will have helped influence future legislation,” Groves said. “It’s important for college students to get involved, and helping with a campaign will show them the roots of what politics are about.”
