DeKALB | Wednesday night, the NIU College Republicans held a meeting featuring two distinguished guests.

Aside from normal meeting business, the forum included speeches from Brad Goodman, director of field operation for the Hastert for Congress Committee, and State Representative Robert Pritchard of the 70th district.

Both men focused on encouraging students to get the message out about the Republican Party and general politics. The upcoming elections were the main focus of grassroots politics that were emphasized during speeches.

“If the Republicans don’t have control, you’ll have San Francisco liberals like Nancy Pelosi running the house,” Goodman said.

Goodman’s interest was with having Republican control of the Illinois legislature. When asked by a member of the audience about Judy Baar Topinka as the Republican choice for candidate Goodman said, “I think she had more name recognition than any other candidate.” Later he added that Topinka’s good record is her biggest strength.

“This is being part of the process,” Pritchard said while speaking among the audience, rather than at the podium. The subject of uneducated voters was also brought up.

“You’re in an age group that doesn’t really get involved,” he said. You’ll find they’re disengaged.”

He then highlighted the importance of young people becoming involved in politics, adding to the grassroots agenda mentioned earlier by Goodman.

“[Voter involvement is] about policy and direction; You can take organization,” Pritchard said.

Pritchard also discussed the impact negative advertisements can have.

“Negative ads disenfranchise voters,” he said. “It’s about a culture of people trying to profit from public service. We have to always be vigilant.”

Among areas of improvement, both speakers were critical of Governor Rod Blagojevich’s administration. Pritchard pointed to a 300 percent increase in the state debt, higher cost of education, underfunded pensions and the state’s policy of Medicaid payment.

“The governor is questionable. Get someone like Judy in,” Goodman said.

Several of the attendees enjoyed what Pritchard and Goodman had to say.

“I liked Pritchard, he’s an honest guy,” said sophomore business major Patrick Swenson.

Meagan Szydlowski, a freshman elementary education major, said she agreed with the importance of younger people voting.

“I really enjoyed what Brad said,” she said. “This is an important election. No one our age really gets involved.”

Keith Cameron is a Campus Reporter for the Northern Star.