Auburn U. Area Political Party Headquarters Open For Business

This story was written by Griffin Limerick, The Auburn Plainsman

Patriotic Auburn University students and residents looking to display party pride for the presidential election are visiting the local Democratic and Republican headquarters.

The two headquarters offer signs and stickers from both the presidential and the local elections. Rena Long, a Republican headquarters volunteer, said presidential signs are popular, and the headquarters often runs out.

We have an individual who places orders for (presidential) merchandise, Long said. Local candidates provide material themselves, but for the McCain/Palin signs, those items are ordered.

Bobby Donald, a volunteer at the Democratic headquarters, said the Democratic headquarters also frequently runs out of signs for the presidential election.

We had 300 Obama signs, but more people wanted them than we anticipated, Donald said. Far more people have come in here and asked for Obama signs and stickers than anyone else. It seems to be the driving campaign.

Long said Republicans not only stop by the headquarters to pick up merchandise, but also to discuss politics.

There were two ladies in here the other day that argued back and forth, Long said. People who dont even know each other come in here and argue viewpoints.

Donald said people discuss political issues at the Democratic headquarters.

I hear a lot of people talk about the economy in here, Donald said. The economy is something more people have on their mind, whether it be losing a job or worrying about retirement, and I think Obama will instill more confidence in the economy.

Although the headquarters cant legally register voters, they both offer voter registration forms to encourage young people to vote.

Brittany Cannon, a senior in political science and Republican headquarters volunteer, said student voters should play an important role in the upcoming presidential election.

I think this time its very important, because students dont usually get out and vote, Cannon said. These days, the race is neck and neck, and its important they do get out and voice an opinion.

Donald said many students have stopped by the Democratic headquarters to pick up voter registration forms.

Alabama generally votes Republican, but Donald said Obama stands a chance in the state.

I know polls show Obamas down in Alabama, but with the amount of voter registration in this state, I think the race will be closer than the polls say, Donald said.

While Democrats are worried about Obama being down in the state polls, some Republicans are worried about McCain being down in national polls.

However, Cannon said shes optimistic about McCains chances of winning.

Its been shown that a candidate can be up in the polls a day before the election and still lose, Cannon said.

The Democratic headquarters, located at 2412 Pepperell Parkway in Opelika, is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Republican headquarters, located at 201 N. College St. in Auburn, is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and three hours before kickoff on game day Saturdays.