The likes of George Bush and Michael Dukakis met face to face regularly in Grant Towers North residence hall last year.

Confidently hung, the life-like posters of these figures enhanced the differing opinions of roommates Tom Elkins and Chris Rudders.

It was not just the 1988 presidential elections that brought about a sudden opinion clash. Democrat and Republican paraphenalia would run rampage in this residence hall room during just about any election.

These politically exuberant friends from home are not only dedicated to their parties—they are the chairpersons for College Republicans and Young Democrats at NIU.

udders, College Republicans chairman, said even though they don’t live together this year, they still do things together all the time. He said when Elkins would display his bannners and other propaganda, he’d just have to conquer it with the posters of the winning candidates.

Young Democrat advocate, Elkins, added that they would often have political discussions, but they kept it as dispassionate as possible. With a grin, he said “I am convinced that Rudders will be a Democrat some day.”

The two ex-roomies held a debate in mid October. In the debate, Elkins described his party as “the party of caring.” He stressed that the democratic stand is inclusive and backs people no matter what their financial situation may be.

On the other hand, Rudders said the Republican party is the one that offers him freedom. “The Republican party better reflects this. Yet, with freedom comes responsiblity.”

Even though Rudders likes to have political discussions with Elkins, he said, “My views are my own private views. I would not convert anyone.” However, he said he urges people to become politically active and to get out and vote.

GOTV—get out the vote is also a program for Young Democrats. They target potential democratic votes and make sure they get a call on election day.

Besides sending members to conventions and publishing the “Donkey Gazette”, the Young Democrats try to have some fun like their “beware of furry Republicans” Halloween Party.

Those Republicans are also keeping busy arranging pig roasts and hosting leadership seminars. In their next seminar, participants will each be assigned fictional countries and equipped with all the demographic and stock market statistics they need. From here, they are responsible for leading this country.

Young Democrats, such as SA President Huda Schiedelman, are not expected to have a political science major or even go to NIU. Anyone in the age group 16-36 can join.

Time is not a major factor to join either. Elkins said members can become “terribly active” or they can just be on the mailing list. Members are now working on a training seminar for Democratic gubernatorial candidates which is set for January.

Rudders ended by saying he felt his republican preference came about from his environment. His parents, however, side with his old roommate and belong to—you guessed it—the Democratic party.

Rudders and Elkins, both history majors from Moline, would agree that friendship can last even through the most heated political battles.