Alicia C. Froio

I am running for College Democrats Freshman Representative for two reasons. The first reason is that I am a leader in the Democratic Party with extensive experience and understanding of youth party organizations. Second, I want to assure that members of this year's freshman class play active roles in GW College Democrats.

My experience in leading youth political organizations is extensive. In 2006, I was the Vice Chair of Political Affairs for the Young Democrats of America (YDA) High School Caucus. Because I am serious about the current political climate in this country, and desire to direct America's youth to take an active role in politics, I ran for the National Chair position of the YDA High School Caucus in 2007, and won. The responsibility I have as chair has made me a stronger and more effective leader.

In addition to my work within the YDA, I was founder of my high school's Junior State of America (JSA) chapter. I served as president of my high school's JSA chapter in my junior and senior years. My JSA experiences have taught me how to be a leader in my school, how to work for the interests of the national JSA organization, as well as my chapter's interests, and my school's interests. I promise to use all of my experiences and be an effective leader for GW College Democrats.

I am so thrilled to be both a member of the Class of 2012 and a Democrat. My excitement and passion will aid me greatly in assuring freshman involvement in GW College Democrats. I will work endlessly to make this historic National Election year an engaging, worthwhile, fun, and inspiring year for my fellow Democratic classmates.

I hereby declare my candidacy for the 2012 GW College Democrats Freshman Representative.

Josh Altman

My name is Josh Altman. I hail from one of the reddest counties, in the bright red state of Georgia. No local or state official currently holding office from my area has anything other than a little "R" next to their name. It is in no way a misconception to describe the July Republican Primaries as THE general election for most public offices. In 2004, Cherokee County voted Bush over Kerry by a margin of 59 percentage points. It requires no extraordinary powers of cognition to infer that in Cherokee County, Georgia, it's easy to be in the GOP. And when my politically aware life began I accepted these circumstances as an inalterable fact of life. Soon though, I found myself discomforted by an atmosphere of ideology defined by rigidity, unreason, and absolutism. The evolution of my own views became stifled by the aggressive litmus testing that characterizes Republican politics. It is then I realized that if the Republican Party cannot find room for ideological flexibility, the Republican Party is no party for me. Ignoring the entrenched dominance of the opposing party, I embraced the principles of a party defined by opportunity and tolerance, where positions of policy are reached only after healthy internal debate and appreciation for diverse ideologies. That party is the Democratic Party, and it is in it that I have found a political home worth fighting for. I have found a presidential candidate worth fighting for. I have found a message worth fighting for. It is my passion for Democrats, for Barack Obama, and for a future of opportunity and prosperity that drives me to do all I can to ensure their success. And it is this passion that obligates me to hereby declare my candidacy for Freshman Representative of the George Washington College Democrats.

Josh Goldstein

When I attended the most recent College Democrats meeting two nights ago, I did not think I would be interested in becoming a freshman representative—frankly, I was not sure how involved I was going to be as a College Democrat. There are times, however, when the energy of a room and a dedicated group of people can change all of that. It was more than evident that you and the other administrators of the College Democrats are quite determined to elect Barack Obama as the next president as I am too. But unlike many who are just willing to vote on election day, I was inspired by how you, collectively, want to do much more—you want to be an integral part in a historical election. I want to be a part of what the GW College Democrats can do to change history and take America back!

That is why I announce my candidacy as the Foggy Bottom College Democrats freshman representative.

Kathryn Farnsworth

I am Kate Farnsworth from Madison, Wisconsin. Living in a liberal city with a progressive lawyer for a father has shaped my world view. I have participated in my family's active experience with campaigns and fundraisers. We became friends with Senator Feingold after hosting his fundraiser. I have spoken out on progressive issues in a conservative high school, and have canvassed for Obama. It has always been my passion for change and the Democratic platform that has fueled my desire to run for Freshman Representative.

This election could be the most important in our lifetime. We have a history-making and inspiring candidate. But it's the Democratic platform itself that will affect change after years of regressive policy. Our generation will deal with enormous debt, but there are issues impacting us right now such as gay and women's rights, tax equity and global warming. It's the Democratic Party and Obama that can ensure these progressive ideals are fostered and our country is restored as a respected world power.

Political smears and celebrity idolization have taken the place of true debate and real news. Therefore, it is essential that Democrats avoid our own celebrity focus. By focusing on issues, America avoids the politics of hate, fear and culture wars. The Democratic platform makes the right decisions on future issues including, ending the Iraq occupation, addressing climate crisis and energy dependence , and re-balancing the Supreme Court. These issues can be spearheaded here on the GW campus with untiring grassroots work.

Young voters have the most to gain and the most to lose. With victory in November, we will make history and restore the integrity of this nation. An entire generation could also check out politically if this election is lost. Therefore, I'm running for Freshman Representative to guarantee GW College Democrats do everything in our power to elect Barack Obama.

Kelsi Browning

When I was seven, I worked to register voters and canvass door-to-door for City Council of Hoboken, NJ, and from then on, I knew that politics was a great love of mine. I came to GW because I knew I wanted to get involved in politics. What would be better than living in a whole city created by the founders of our nation essentially for the sole purpose of housing our Federal Government? Since I was accepted in December, I watched CSPAN, MSNBC, and CNN all with eager anticipation to become involved here at GW and in Washington, D.C. as a whole. This election year means so much to so many people, and it excites me to even have an opportunity to run for a position in an organization that has pledged to donate so much time and effort into such vital campaigns that can, in fact, change the course of history. We see it all around us; talk of war, rising gas prices, home foreclosures, record job loss, and a failing economy. As Co-President of my high school’s Young Democrats and as an intern on Linda Stender’s congressional campaign this summer, I saw as I was canvassing and heard on countless phone calls to constituents a broken nation in desperate need of fixing. Blue collar families told me that they knew people whose house value had decreased to below what they had purchased at and senior citizens lamented the rising cost of prescription drugs. One common theme resounded: a desperate call for change. This year can be the year that we make the difference, and I would love to be your freshman representative during this historical year. I feel that both my experience as an intern on a campaign and a leader in my high school’s Young Democrats club and my passion make me a good candidate for this job. Thank you for your time, and remember: Vote Kelsi Browning.

Matt Grifferty

Hey my name's Matt Grifferty. I'm running for this post of Freshmen Representative for Foggy Bottom Campus for the same reasons we all joined this group, the same reason we all wanted to immerse ourselves in all things democratic this election, because I too was inspired by
the words of a candidate like none we've ever seen. But that's quite typical. What helps me stand apart?

There's a host of reasons. Maybe you just want cool things. If you like The Onion I'll get you a copy for free. Do you enjoy reading The New York Times or The Washington Post? I'll get you those for free too. Do you like USA Today? If you do, well…cool.

We didn't get involved in College Democrats because it's the cool thing to do. We got involved because we're staring at challenges that go unmet every day. If I'm elected your Representative I'll make certain your ideas and concerns aren't simply taken into account, but put at the front of the agenda. Because while a lot of us dream about a country run by someone who can properly digest a pretzel, we're in a position to elect not just a man, but to spearhead a movement that can help us realize a new tomorrow. Together we can get everyone to
understand we aren't just a bunch of hyped up kids drinking the "Kool Aid", but that our qualms are legitimate and our desire to change the world we are going to inherit is not some passing phase. Elect me and
I'll do everything within my power to help us achieve our lofty goals…chyea.

Paul Nawalany

The year 2008 is an exciting time to be a Democrat. After winning back control of the House and Senate in 2006, now we have a strong chance in taking back the White House with the historic team of Senators Barack Obama and Joe Biden while expanding our majorities in Congress. These exciting times have led me to decide to run for Freshman Representative from Foggy Bottom of the College Democrats at GW.

George Washington is a change from the community that I come from in North Jersey. Sussex County is the most staunchly republican county in New Jersey. Democrats are outnumbered by Republicans by a margin of 3 to 1. Yet it was there where I became an active Democrat, volunteering my time for and promoting various candidates including John Kerry, Governor Jon Corzine, and Senator Bob Menendez, among others.

The 2008 election provides us with an opportunity to change course and get America back on track. I am proud to support the change that Senator Obama represents and not more of the same, with Mr. 90%, John McCain. Barack and the democrats are the change we can believe in, but Senator McCain as Hillary Clinton may now put it, is just change we can Xerox from George Bush. It is our party, the Democratic Party, that will bring about universal health care, fair pay, a fair tax policy, a smart and secure national defense, maintain and expand our civil rights and liberties, and fix our economy and education system.

As a Freshman Representative, I will bring great knowledge of and enthusiasm for the issues to the College Democrats. I am looking forward to fighting for our democratic values this fall and I will be honored to be elected as a new Freshman Representative of the College Democrats.

Matthew McDermott

With this declaring I announce my candidacy for Freshman Representative of the College Democrats Class of 2012. As a democratic party activist for the past many years I have learned what it means to be a true democrat: standing up for the party ideals of public education, ending the war in Iraq, universal healthcare, and helping those less fortunate in society. I have worked for the campaign of Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, in his 2006 bid to beat Lincoln Chafee, ultimately guaranteeing democratic control of the Senate. More recently I have worked for Senator Jack Reed’s reelection campaign, along with a host of other more progressive local candidates for state office. In terms of the 2008 Presidential race, I was an early and avid supporter of our next President, Barack Obama. Through the fall of 2007 and into this year, I have worked the phones and canvassed for Senator Obama in New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. If the incredible democratic primary has taught us anything about this upcoming election it is that the race will be won on get out the vote strategies. The 2004 Kerry-Edwards campaign failed to overcome the GOTV team of the Republicans, and we all remember the consequence. This time the democrats have invigorated millions of new voters, primarily in the 18-25 age group bracket. As GW College Democrats it is our duty to activate this already motivated age group to get to their polling location and make sure their vote counts. And if we are able to do this, Barack Obama will be our next President and Joe Biden will be our next Vice President and we will have turned the red states of Virginia, Colorado, and Ohio blue. This is our moment to show the country what change really means.

Steven Wittenberg

It was July 4th, 1990 when I was born into this world in an industrious and commercial town known as Anaheim, home of Disneyland, the Angels, and impoverished immigrants. I befriended my friends in a poor elementary school where all of my friends were Hispanic and I didn't know they were any different than myself. And they aren't. I grew up in a city of violence and the happiest place on Earth. One of my friends was murdered by his step father in fact. But we all have our tragic stories, so let us not lament my fellow Americans.

I come today, perhaps late, but still, to announce my candidacy for the Democrat Freshman Representative of Foggy Bottom. I am an Eagle Scout and take pride in fulfilling that title through honorable and just means. Judge me not by my experience, but by the content of my character. My experiences relates to organizing community events in my newer home of Los Alamitos where I ran the Croquet Club that mainly funded AIDS research (through a concert) as well as participated in Eagle Scout projects of my fellow scouts.

I want to bring back nobility and the impenetrable ideologies back to Washington as well as help us here by cleaning up our campus or making some business with the school's executives to let us have Colonial Cash that is deposited to us after we graduate somehow.