Lawrence Framme, state chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia, urged law students yesterday to vote Democratic in the upcoming Virginia elections, while specifically endorsing the Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mark R. Warner.
Framme addressed members of the University Law Democrats and invited guests at the Law School on his topic, "The Stakes in this November's Statewide Election: Why Your Vote Counts."
Warner "understands the value of education and that's what he's going to be a supporter of," Framme said.
Framme stressed there are distinctions between Warner and the Republican candidate, Mark L. Earley concerning the issue of education.
When it comes to their education plans, Warner supports a need-based scholarship for Virginia students earning at least a 'B' average and graduating in the top 20 percent of their class. He also endorses using 2 percent of Virginia's general funds as a down payment for capital projects at Virginia's colleges and universities.
Earley endorses a state budget that would earmark millions of dollars for higher education spending. He also stands behind the tuition cuts of the Gov. James S. Gilmore III.
"There is a difference between the two political parties," University Law Democrats President Adam Green said. "The future of investment and education is really at stake and will be reflected this November."
Framme said that if voters value higher education, then this election is an important one.
Along with focusing on education, Framme pointed out the differences he sees between the Democratic and Republican parties.
"The difference is in what they think the government should do and the difference is in how they treat people," Framme said. "That's why this election is so important."
Some members of the audience agreed that higher education is a priority for the Democratic Party and the upcoming election.
"The commitment of the Virginia Democrats to higher education is very high," University Law Democrats member Jonathan Altschul said.
Framme also spoke directly to the law students present at the event. He offered words of encouragement by saying they had a "tremendous opportunity to help people" once becoming lawyers.
Framme said the profession can be flexible and allow them to take the time to help their community. At the beginning of his speech, Framme gave a short history of how he became involved in politics.
Ann Rasmussen, an invited guest of the University Law Democrats, said she attended the speech to learn about Framme's perception and wanted specific reasons for supporting Warner.
Framme "was very engaging and very encouraging to students to become involved," Rasmussen said.
Green also urged students to get involved by putting bumper stickers on their cars and going door to door in the community.
But Democratic organizations on Grounds are not the only groups promoting activism.
The College Republicans are posting fliers, participating in voter registration and bringing Republican Lt. Gov. candidate Jay Katzen to speak later this month, College Republicans Chairman Adam Hatcher said.
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