The presidential election is approaching and many students are passionately standing up for what they believe in. Prominent among them is Aslinn Scott, a 21-year-old junior communications major who is Vice Chair of the CU College Republicans.
CU College Republicans is comprised of approximately 75 members and has an email list of about 300. Participants regularly listen to speakers and hold discussions and debate.
Junior communications major Aslinn Scott, 21, is the vice president for the CU College Republicans. (CU Independent/Robert R. Denton)
The group’s goal is to provide a voice for fellow Republican students.
Aslinn has been a part of CU’s College Republicans since she was a freshman. Aside from College Republicans, she is also Vice Chair of the Colorado Federation of College Republicans, an active member of Boulder Students for Romney and Young Conservative Leaders of Colorado and a contributor to the Boulder County Republican Women’s website.
What originally motivated you to vote Republican?
Both of my parents are Republican and I noticed that most of the rhetoric surrounding business appeared hostile. Since I’m paying my own tuition, I’m more fiscally conservative. I believe in limited government, so I wanted to support it.
What do you do on a typical day for College Republicans?
My schedule is pretty random, but I frequently recruit members and volunteers. I go door-to-door to present conservative thought on campus. It’s all volunteer work. The election’s right now, so anything can happen.
Do you hold meetings with other college Republicans?
Yes. There are regular meetings every other Tuesday, with the next one on Oct. 9 in UMC 445. We will be hosting Herman Cain here on that day.
Who stops in and out of the office while you’re there?
There are more people stopping by for advice. Community members also drop in to donate or inform. There is an increase in students because of the election. We have freshmen as well as older students and grad students.
What is the atmosphere of College Republicans like?
There is a lot of camaraderie. What is also interesting is our friendship with the Walkabout Creative Arts Journal. It allows us to share values and engage in discussion so we don’t feel ostracized. As far as the office goes, it is filled with campaign supplies right now.
How do you balance student and College Republican life?
I’m motivated. I’m passionate about this. It helps my career path, since working on the campaign is part of the political consulting I want to do. Overall it has opened many doors of opportunity for me. The reward is meeting exciting and diverse people.
When do you wake up?
Since I campaign for Romney, I’m up at 6 a.m.
What do you do for Romney’s campaign?
I go door-to-door and organize a lot of events. With Boulder Students for Romney, we present why Romney is the better choice for President. Romney is fiscally responsible and our current President hasn’t kept his promise. There is currently a 50 percent underemployment rate for undergraduates. Students deserve better because we put our investment in education. We should be able to pursue the American dream.
Boulder is famous as one of the most liberal cities in Colorado. What is it like to be a Republican here?
My friends all respect my views. There is importance in being in a difficult setting. Conservative students really test their values and challenge their core beliefs. It’s an exciting experience. Students want to be heard and engage, so there are rallies. CU College Republicans are students like everyone else. We just view the world differently.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Roxanne Smith at Roxanne.smith@colorado.edu.
