College Republicans shoot for more student involvement, local Republican support

By Zoe Irizarry
Special to the Johnsonian

Graphic by Courtney Niskala • niskalac@mytjnow.comWinthrop’s College Republicans are supporting local GOP members by involving more students in politics. 

One of those leaders includes John Hauenstein, a former engineer who is running for the Ward II seat on Rock Hill City Council.

Members of the College Republicans have already touted their support for Hauenstein by conducting neighborhood precinct walks, where they hand out fliers and obtain contact information for citizens planning to vote for Hauenstein, said Timothy Kroboth, president of the College Republicans. 

The campaign has also asked the student Republicans to participate in literature drops.

During a Sept. 19 meeting, members of the group discussed other Republicans they believed to be strong candidates for public office, as well as those they thought wouldn’t do so well.

Emil Tokmakci, sophomore sports management major, feels involvement is important.

“I joined the club to be more involved on campus and because I wanted to get more involved in politics,” Tokmakci said.

The College Republicans put up the American Flags along Scholar’s Walk and helped put together the 9/11 candlelight vigil.

The group held two voter registration drives last month.  Students from out of state or out of the area were able to register with absentee ballots. 

On Oct. 25, a sorority is holding a mock presidential debate and a member of Winthrop’s College Republican’s will be representing the Republican Party. More information about this event will be available as the date gets closer. 

 “I feel that it is a good thing to understand more about people who will work for our government,” Tokmakci said. 

The club is always open to new members.

 “I think many people who are Republicans and enjoy politics should join the club because they will learn so much and meet wonderful people,” Tokmakci said.

Additional reporting by Jonathan McFadden