Freshman Rep Candidate Statements

Connot Schmidt: Foggy Bottom

Hello, my name is Connor Schmidt and I would like to be your freshman Foggy Bottom representative for the College Democrats. I’m from Hamilton, Massachusetts and plan on majoring in Political Science. From holding signs for John Kerry in fifth grade to interning for our senate candidate Elizabeth Warren this summer, there is nothing I love more than getting involved in politics. As your representative, I want to help make this organization stand up to its reputation as the best College Democrats chapter in the country as we help reelect President Obama and continue to push the United States forward.

Jason Albrecht: Foggy Bottom

My name is Jason Albrecht and I am looking for your support to be elected as the Freshman Representative for the Foggy Bottom campus. I am passionate about progress in both our University and nation and I believe that my experience in my previous leadership positions, President of FBLA and Vice President of my Student Government, will help me to contribute to the GW Democrats as your Freshman Representative. I am very excited to have this opportunity to represent my classmen and I whole-heartedly believe that I am the best suited candidate for this position; so before your vote for Barack Obama this November, vote for Jason Albrecht.

McKinley Kant: Foggy Bottom

Hi everyone! I’m McKinley Kant. Being from Madison, WI – which is a liberal’s paradise by the way – I chose GW in part because I knew it had the most active College Democrats chapter in the country. As an intern for Wisconsin’s Organizing for America state headquarters this past summer I got to experience the inner workings of Obama’s campaign during the recall election, which ultimately served as a dry run for the election this November. I also served as VP for my school’s NHS chapter last year. I’d be very excited to bring my leadership skills to CDs as well!

Daniel Warwick: Foggy Bottom

I’m running for freshman representative because I want to make sure we win 2012. I promise to do the necessary grunt work with pleasure, help form interesting and engaging events, and make sure direct voter contact is fun so we can help Obama win in Virginia and marriage win in Maryland. Back in the “other Washington” I was Communications Director and then Chair of my legislative district Democrats and worked with the County organization for endorsements and with candidates for GOTV. I bring experience in the partisan structure and hope to listen and work for you as your representative.

Clay Miller: Foggy Bottom

Growing up in a working class family I and going to public school in an underprivaleged location in the heart of an urban center has given me a relatable story and sense of the struggle of everyday life.  My story would allow me to emphasize pathos and personal struggle in the hunt for policy, not just sole politico speak.  Getting the heart and emotion out of the middle class, gay rights, women’s rights, etc. would allow me to influence many others and create a growing base for GW democrats.  Thus, I am running for Foggy Bottom rep, representing Thurston Hall.

Akash Katakam: Mount Vernon

For the past few years, I have seen how liberal and progressive principles have changed people’s lives for the better. I have worked hard towards promoting these same values while campaigning for U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) Congressman Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), and State Legislator Jerry G. Green. To continue my efforts here at GW, I announce my candidacy for Freshman Representative of the Mt. Vernon Campus. I will energize Mt. Vernon Democrats to become more involved in federal and local campaigns, present students with more internship opportunities, and organize events where students can come together to move America forward.

Emily Thompson: Mount Vernon

My name is Emily Thompson, and I want to be the Freshman Representative to the GW College Democrats for Mt. Vernon! I come from a place where being a democrat is totally discouraged. This has hardened my resolve to fight for the ideals that democrats everywhere embrace. This fall is an exciting time to be a young democrat, and I will do my best to help capitalize on all the amazing opportunities available for the students of GW during the coming year. If elected, I will be sure to make the voice of freshman democrats living on the Vern heard

Dylan Marker: Mount Vernon

I, Dylan Marker, would like to declare my candidacy for Freshman Representative of the Mount Vernon Campus.  I believe wholly in the Democratic agenda, and I promise to work tirelessly to represent all Mount Vernon College Democrats in the pursuit of a more promising tomorrow.

Kevin Palmero: Mount Vernon

My name is Kevin Palermo, and I’m running to become the Freshman Representative for the Mount Vernon Campus.  I hope to bring a political life to the Vern, where a social life seems to be lacking.  The fact of the matter is that there is an abundance of undisposed energy hidden within the dorms of West, Somers, Clark, Cole, Hensley, and hell, even Merriweather.  The Vern is a powder keg of activism, and I’m prepared to tap that keg.  In all sincerity, I would be honored to serve as the Vern’s Freshman Representative, and would dedicate myself to the task.

Anna O’Neil: Mount Vernon

My name is Anna O’Neil and I am running to represent the Vern and all those who can’t party next to the white house every night. I learned what it means to be politically involved while canvassing for Obama in 2008. Since then, I have been president of my school’s government club, won awards in the Youth and Government program, and interned for President Obama’s campaign as a Summer Fellow. I understand the significant difference this group can make by supporting the party that works for our future. I will help us make that difference.

Maggie Wedeman: Mount Vernon

My name is Maggie Wedeman and I am running for Mount Vernon Freshman Representative for the GW College Democrats. In Nebraska I was a loud, proud, hard working Democrat and I am ready to continue at GW. As president of my high school democrats, I increased membership and established ties to our state party.  As an Obama for America fellow and staffer on a senate campaign, I have experience involving others on campaigns and increasing excitement about being a Democrat. This skill is essential in an election year.  Because of my activism, I was elected a delegate to the DNC in Charlotte. As freshmen representative, I will work to increase membership, bring experience and a unique perspective to the GW Democrats.

Calling All Freshman: Run for E-Board as Freshman Representative

Are you ready to join the Executive Board as the Freshmen Representative? Ready to effect real change? Submit an application for Freshmen Representative by writing a candidacy statement with less than 100 words. Include your name and which campus you’re running to represent (one freshmen will represent the Foggy Bottom Campus, the other, the Vern). Candidacy statements must be submitted to democra

t@gwu.edu no later than Sunday (September 9th), at 9:00 PM.

Note: No candidate may start campaigning (i.e. Facebook pages, posters, flyers, palm cards, door-to-door, etc) until all candidacy statements have been received at 9 PM on Sunday. In addition, only dues paying members from the respective campuses can vote in the election for their Freshmen Representative. Potential members can pay dues during Office Hours (found on the website) until the election. Voting will occur once every candidate has been given a chance to speak, so get there on time so you don’t miss the speeches and voting afterwards! A runoff between the top two candidates will occur if no candidate receives 40% of the vote.

Blood Drive

Give Blood, Give Life! The Red Cross will be coming to GW to administer our first blood drive of the semester. It is requested that you register for a timeslot in advance at  https://esiebelarecprod.redcrossblood.com/eevents_enu/start.swe?SWECmd=GotoView&SWEView=ARC+City+State+Blank+Results+View+Clone&SWEHo=esiebelarecprod.redcrossblood.com&SWEApplet0=ARC+BDC+Upcoming+Drives+Applet+Clone&SWERowId0=1-5S3UYD

When: Thursday, September 6th, 10 AM-4PM

Where: Marvin 307

Welcome Back Barbecue

Come celebrate the beginning of a new school year with free food, new friends, and the College Dems! Tee shirts for the 2012-2013 year will be available for dues paying members. New members can pay their dues at this event: 20 dollars (cash or GWorld), valid for your entire four years at GW!

 

 

When: Sunday, September 2nd, 1-5 PM

Where: Kogan Plaza

Midnight Monument Tour

You’ve never seen the monuments like this! Come join the College Dems for our traditional midnight tour of the monuments. Its a must do DC activity that you don’t want to miss! We’ll meet outside Thurston Hall and walk to the monuments together.

When: Thursday, August 30th, 11 PM

Where: Meet Outside Thurston Hall

First General Body Meeting!

Our first official information meeting of the semester! Come meet the new e-board, learn about upcoming events, and sign up for to participate for campaign trips, debates, and other activities! We have a busy semester with the presidential election coming up, so be sure to stop by and get involved!

When: Tuesday, September 4th, 7-9 PM

Where: Marvin Center Grand Ballroom, 3rd Floor.