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College Dems head for N.H. to support Clinton

Members of the University's College Democrats will be traveling to New Hampshire this weekend to join hundreds of Democrats in kicking off President Clinton's campaign for re-election.

Seven members of the College Democrats will join 24 students from the Michigan State University College Democrats for the 12- to 14-hour trip to New Hampshire.

"This is a really great way of getting involved and seeing the process first-hand," said Jae-Jae Spoon, president of the College Democrats.

Once in New Hampshire, the College Democrats from Michigan will join students from Brandeis University, Boston College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Bates College, Colby College, University of Vermont, Brown University, George Washington University, American University and others from around the nation.

Although Clinton is not facing a primary opponent in New Hampshire, the College Democrats will be assisting in telephone and other campaign work to prepare the state for Tuesday's primary as well as for the elections in November.

"We're basically going to be working to get Democrats out and voting," Spoon said.

College Democrats are looking forward to aiding the president in his re-election, Spoon said.

"President Clinton has stood firm when it comes to things ordinary folks care about like education, the environment and health care," said Alex Hencken, chair of the College Democrats of Michigan. "That is why we are going to New Hampshire, and that is why young people in large numbers voted for President Clinton in 1992 and will vote for him in 1996."

The MSU College Democrats have been planning the trip since November. Because there were a few extra spaces, Spoon said, they invited some University of Michigan College Democrats to join them for the trek.

With the exception of transportation, the New Hampshire Democratic Party is funding the group's trip.

Kevin Greary, president of College Democrats of America, said students are motivated to work for Clinton's campaign.

"President Clinton is a college student's best friend," Geary said. "The president has worked for students and now students are working for the president."

With over 800,000 members and 800 chapters nationwide, the College Democrats of America is the largest student political organization in the country. Membership has increased 45 percent since January of 1995, when Newt Gingrich became speaker of the House.