Wendy Vitter, wife of Senate candidate David Vitter, met with the Southeastern College Republicans on Sept. 30 in the Magnolia Room of the Student Union. The event included presentations made by the members of the College Republicans and a speech of encouragement by Vitter.
“It was mostly to encourage the young Republicans to stay involved and thank them for everything that they’ve done,” said Vitter. “Also, just to remind them of what a few people can do and what a big difference they can make in a small group.”
Before Vitter’s speech, YouTube videos were shown that criticized the Obama administration’s spending policies and featured responses to the BP oil spill. Also, the “debt clock,” depicting the U.S national debt showed that the U.S’s national debt was approximately $13.5 trillion.
Vitter’s speech focused on the importance of voting and the primary planks of her husband’s campaign platform. Vitter encouraged students to vote during the Nov. 2 senatorial elections and reminded them of the importance of voting.
“You can make a huge difference, in this group, in this room right here,” said Vitter. “I guarantee that you can make a difference in the world. Recent elections have shown what a huge difference even a small amount of voters can make. Just your right to vote, just the fact that you made it past your 18th birthday and registered to vote, gives you a huge benefit.”
Vitter cited a Minnesota election in 2008 between Norm Coleman (R) and Al Franken (Democratic Farmer Labor party). According to Vitter, Coleman had initially won the election, however the number of votes demanded a recount. Franken was declared the victor after winning by 117 votes after the recount.
Vitter also shared her feelings on government spending.
“In 2000, 10 years ago, we had a balanced budget,” said Vitter. “That’s pretty amazing, the difference. The numbers are pretty mind-boggling, and sometimes I say, ‘No wonder our kids have no idea how to keep a budget.’ You all were raised on billions and trillions and bailouts, and it comes to mean nothing to you when you balance a checkbook.”
Vitter also shared her thoughts on her husband’s campaign.
“It’s going very well, we don’t take anything for granted,” said Vitter. “We’re working really hard continuing the work that David has been doing for Louisiana. We want less Federal Government in people’s lives, and to return decisions to local leader-city councils and mayors. Less federal debt, less spending, no more bailouts, those are his focuses.”
After Vitter’s speech, more YouTube videos were shown, this time showing commercials against Mr. Vitter’s opponent, Charlie Melancon.
“I think one of the biggest differences between David and his opponent are how they treated the bailouts and the spending,” said Vitter. “David’s opponent has supported the bailouts and increased spending. Right down the road, David has voted against it and that is a huge difference between them.”
Hunter Carter, president of the Southeastern College Republicans, was pleased with the presentation, and thankful to Mrs. Vitter.
“We knew Wendy was a great speaker and that she could get the Republican students here at Southeastern fired up,” said Carter. “I think the speech went great. It highlighted some of the major issues faced by college students today.”
Along with the national debt, Carter listed border security as one of those issues.
“There is a legal way to immigrate here, so it’s not that we discourage immigration, we’re for it-we’re a country of immigrants, said Carter. “There a way to do it and they’re not doing it the right way.”
The event was also pleasing to several students, including freshman Mike Truxillo.
“It was a great speech, I thought she was right on target with what she had to say about the debt clock and about voting,” said Truxillo, a supply chain management major. “I think we need to support Vitter all the way.”