U.S. Senate candidate visits Young Democrats

By Kelly L. Griffith
News Editor

U.S. Senator hopeful Erskine Bowles visited UNCP on April 22 in attempts to gain support for his campaign in the November election.

Bowles hopes to take over the position left vacant by Sen. John Edwards, the vice-president hopeful from Raleigh.

While on campus, Bowles toured the Native American museum in Old Main and spoke with the Young Democrats. After speaking with University Attorney Donna Payne, Bowles had to opportunity to visit with the group.

Followed by television cameras and reporters from local newspapers, Bowles personally introduced himself to each of the Young Democrats members in the U.C.

The Young Democrats had several questions for Bowles during the 15-minute meeting. President David Griffin asked Bowles his thoughts on the increased tuition.

Bowles attributed the increase to the federal government’s large deficit and said that it will be hard to stop unless the university increases its endowment.

He also spoke about his plans to increase jobs and reduce class sizes for elementary students.

Griffin said he thinks Bowles’ visit will help to raise awareness among students.

“It gives students the opportunity to hear different political views on the direction of the country. Anytime you have the opportunity to get an understanding of an issue that might affect you as a future employee, it increases your level of awareness of the corporate landscape,” Griffin said.

Before leaving the group, Bowles thanked the Young Democrats for their interest in his political campaign and encouraged the current voter registration drive, which registered 103 new voters on April 21.

“The key to victory is to get out and vote,” Bowles said.

After his brief visit with the Young Democrats, Bowles spoke with community leaders at Pembroke’s town hall.