In an effort garner support for the reelection of President George W. Bush, the College Republicans and the new Contracted Independent Organization Students for Bush held a rally on the North side of the Rotunda yesterday where they were met by Democratic protestors.
"We thought today would be a wonderful opportunity to hold the rally due to the primary a week ago," said Amber Vervalin, College Republicans vice-chair for campaigns. "We really wanted to bring out all the students who are pro-Bush and show how many of us there are to support the president."
The rally began with a recitation of the pledge of allegiance. Matt Wells, the state chair of the College Republicans and the commonwealth chair of Students for Bush, then said a few words and read a short statement from the president.
Wells' speech was followed by statements from Albemarle Republicans Chair Keith Drake and Tucker Watkins, chair of the 5th District Republican Committee.
Wells stated several goals for his two organizations.
"Students for Bush is entirely organized to re-elect the president and to support his agenda," Wells said. "Around the commonwealth, the College Republicans are promoting rallies for whoever wants to do them. We will supply them with materials, advice and a network of like-minded individuals."
An anti-Bush rally, organized by the University Democrats, also was held at the same time yesterday. Organizers said the demonstration was initiated in response to conservative literature scattered throughout the University in response to the University Board of Elections' mock election.
"We wanted to let the University know that we will not stand for four more years of Bush," University Democrats Campaign Coordinator Dave Wasserman said. "We are trying to use this as a starting point to build momentum. We hope to also protest at the Republican National Convention later this year."
Anti-rally protestors brandished signs with slogans such as "Too dumb to be president" and "Bush is a weapon of mass destruction."
"We are protesting due to failed policies," Wasserman said. "There are still not adequate jobs in our country, and we are involved in a war that the president has to constantly explain."
The Republican rally proceeded as planned despite the presence of the anti-rally.
"People out of power get really good at protesting," College Republican member Danny Etan said.
Stephen Messenger, another College Republicans member who attended the rally, said it was good to see some opposition.
"It is also good to see that they couldn't muster very much support at a so-called liberal University," Messenger said.
Wells said he thought the protestors were disrespectful.
"Apparently, they think that the freedom of speech only applies to their side," Wells said. "I think the fact that [the protestors] were shouting just reinforces the fact that the only thing they can do is attempt to destroy"
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