Tom Tancredo
Several members of the Hillsdale College Republicans and over 250 representatives from Michigan College Republican chapters gathered in Phillips Auditorium Saturday for the Michigan Federation of College Republicans’ annual convention.
Several prominent Republican speakers, including a potential presidential candidate, addressed political activism on college campuses as well as current statewide and national issues.
A representative from the Young America’s Foundation, the Michigan Republican National Committeeman and Committeewoman and three candidates running for the U.S. Senate spoke to the students.
Tom Tancredo, a potential presidential candidate, was the featured speaker at the convention.
U.S. Rep. Tancredo represents the 6th Congressional District of Colorado. He is an expert on immigration reform and spoke on the need for reform in U.S. policy.
Junior Elisabeth Fitch, treasurer of the Hillsdale College Republicans, responded positively to Tancredo’s remarks.
“Tancredo did an excellent job speaking about illegal immigration,” Fitch said. “He demonstrates a lot of patriotism and knows the issue well. He is passionate about illegal immigration concerning its effect on our domestic policy as well as its potential threat to our national security. I’ve been to MFCR conventions before, and this was by far the best one I have ever attended.”
Tancredo also spoke to members of the community and the press in a public event.
Senior Ted Striegnitz, vice chairman of Hillsdale College Republicans, said the chapter was thrilled to host both events. He said a chapter must submit a proposal to the MFCR in order to host the convention and said he believes the MFCR chose Hillsdale because it is the third largest delegation in the state and has the experience necessary to run the convention.
“It is a distinct recognition for us to be hosting these events,” Striegnitz said. “It demonstrates the strong holding our chapter has in the state. It’s truly an honor to have them here.”
The elections held during the convention gave even more recognition to several Hillsdale students. They marked the end of senior Justin Roebuck’s one-year term as treasurer. Roebuck is currently president of the Hillsdale College Republicans.
Delegates at the convention also elected sophomore Ryan Thompson as the first vice chairman of the MFCR board.
As vice chairman, Thompson holds the third highest position on the board. Among other tasks, he will oversee all committees on the board and publish the MFCR’s newsletter.
Striegnitz said he was was pleased with the results and called the convention a great success.
“We were really excited about the opportunity to showcase the talents of our membership and the resources of our chapter,” Striegnitz said.