Republican and Democratic presidential race campaigners across DeKalb County have kept busy as the election nears.

Shabbona Republican Stephen Rosene is an example of activism spurred by this election.

“I am not normally a real political animal,” Rosene said.

He said he got involved in this election because of the contrast between President George W. Bush and Sen. John Kerry. Kerry is someone who does what is right for himself, while Bush does what is right for America, he said.

Rosene spent time this fall putting up election signs in an outward show of support for the president. He has also supported Bush in general conversation with friends and relatives.

Rosene said a lot is at stake in the presidential election.

“The two candidates are leagues apart,” Rosene said.

The most important thing this election season is to vote, Rosene said.

“It’s an easy excuse to acquire to say ‘my vote doesn’t count’ . . . this election is a big deal as far as what direction we take as a country,” he said.

DeKalb Democrat Tim Schulz has been active this campaign.

Schulz said he sees a profound split in the electorate. Anger over an incompetent administration contributed to his political activity this campaign season, he said.

Schulz has written one to two letters to the editor each week, canvassed door-to-door and distributed Kerry signs, he said.

“Sometimes, if you put something out there . . . you can make a difference,” Schulz said.

Knocking on doors can generate a positive response from people, Schulz said.

“Sometimes, it comes down to a human level,” Shulz said.

Campaigning takes effort and passion, he said, but effort is easily overcome with strong opinions.

Both campaigners said voting is important regardless of affiliation.

“A lot of people talk about these soldiers [who] died for the flag,” Schulz said. “There is no more powerful way to piss on the graves of these dead soldiers than by shrugging and saying ‘my vote doesn’t count.’”