DeKALB | As the election draws nearer, leaders from College Republicans and Democrats are speaking out about politics today.

The presidents of NIU’s top political organizations talked to the Northern Star regarding several of today’s key issues. Brent Keller, president of the College Republicans, and Kevin Malone, president of the College Democrats, discussed the present and future states of their respective parties.

Northern Star: What are your predictions for the upcoming election?

Brent Keller: I believe the Republicans will retain their majority. The Democrats haven’t pointed out their corrections, and there’s enough momentum behind (Republican gubernatorial challenger) Judy Baar Topinka because she is an ethical leader.

Kevin Malone: I believe the Democrats will take both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The race between John Laesch and Congressman Dennis Hastert will be tough, but close.

NS: Which candidate in this election do you support the most? Why do you support them?

BK: I think that from top to bottom, given the state that Illinois is in, it is important to support Republicans as a whole. Democrats have policies that support a select few, and Republicans will restore transparency in government.

KM: We support everyone, but we are supporting Laesch a lot. He’s a great guy, and we’re putting a lot into him because it’s an important race.

NS: Has the Mark Foley scandal affected this election heavily?

BK: I don’t think the actions of one individual can reflect the Congress as a whole. Dennis Hastert did the right thing — what is right for the country.

KM: It’s going to greatly affect the election if the results of Hastert and the ethics committee come out before the election.

NS: Are there issues which were not referenced in this election that you wish had been?

BK: It depends on where you look and what the issues are. I don’t think there is just one issue, but a cohesive amount of issues that Republicans support.

KM: I think most of the issues were presented, but I would like to see more of a focus on energy and health care, as they seem to be on the back burner.

NS: In your opinion, how has this election compared to ones in the past?

BK: I think the policies the Democrats have afforded the state over the last six years have put the state in the shape that it is in, and I think voters will see the Democrats have been leading us down the wrong path.

KM: This election doesn’t have the same energy as a presidential election, but a lot of energy as an off-term election. It’s obvious that people want change.

NS: Looking toward 2008, which candidate is in the lead for the presidential nomination?

BK: There’s a wide field; the rumor mill changes every day. It could be Sen. George Allen (R-Va.), Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) or Gov. Mitt Romney (R-Mass.). Right now it’s too early to tell.

KM: It’s a toss up between Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), but Obama hasn’t been in the political game long enough, as opposed to Clinton.

NS: In your opinion, what is the worst part about politics?

BK: The fact that the polarization has prevented individuals coming to an agreement is the worst part.

KM: I’d say the steadfast partisanship. The ability to compromise is important. Leadership put it on the back burner this Congress.

NS: How would you describe your perfect vision of America?

BK: Individuals would be free from government intrusion. Local control would take precedence over national control. We would be able to take control of our lives and act as individuals, not as pawns of our government.

KM: People would not be constrained by what they were born into; your parents wouldn’t determine your future. People wouldn’t have to worry about energy, shelter, food or health care. It’s hard to be productive when you are concerned about these things.