As Election Draws Near, Students Canvass in Va.

As the Virginia gubernatorial race enters its final two weeks, the Georgetown University College Democrats and College Republicans are stepping up their campaign efforts.

On Tuesday, Democratic candidate R. Creigh Deeds and Republican Bob McDonnell held their last debate before the Nov. 3 election at Roanoke College in Salem, Va. Deeds trailed McDonnell in public opinion polls before the debate, The Washington Post reported. The most recent SurveyUSA poll indicated McDonnell leads by 19 percentage points.

Although their candidate is lagging in the polls, the College Democrats are far from giving up.

“This race is critical in that it is an indicator of [Obama] and the Democratic Party’s progress in pleasing voters who turned out for him in Virginia,”GUCD Campaign Coordinator Andrew Wojtanik (SFS ’12) said. “Since Virginia is just across the Key Bridge from Georgetown, we are confident that we can make a difference in determining the [outcome of] the election and turning out many young Dems in support of Deeds and his message.”

GUCD has been canvassing on a weekly basis in Alexandria, Va., according to Wojtanik. The College Democrats plan to join students from The George Washington University, Howard University, The Catholic University of America and Trinity University in a D.C.-wide campaign trip to Norfolk, Va., this weekend.

Although there is still enthusiasm for GUCD’s efforts, Wojtanik credits a recent slump in participation to midterm season at Georgetown.

“Unfortunately, midterms have taken their toll on attendance, which has decreased a little bit. However, we still have 12 to 13 students coming this weekend to Norfolk, along with five or so heading to Alexandria. We hope to get a big number for the weekend before Election Day, which I am confident we can achieve,” Wojtanik said.

Meanwhile, the Georgetown University College Republicans remain confident in McDonnell and the Republican Party as they reach this pivotal time on the campaign trail.

“This campaign season has exceeded our expectations,” GUCR Campaign Coordinator Kevin Baird (COL ’12) said. “Most of us expected a real fight to the finish, but the combination of a strong Republican candidate in Bob McDonnell, a weak Democratic campaign from Creigh Deeds and a favorable political environment has put us in a very strong position for Election Day.”

GUCR understands the importance of this race for the Republican Party, Baird said. Members have gone door-to-door most Saturdays and plan to increase their efforts as Nov. 3 nears.

“With Election Day approaching, we will turn out for the last few Saturdays and encourage our members to volunteer some of their time for get-out-the-vote efforts,” Baird said.

GUCR has also experienced issues with student campaign participation.

“Sometimes enthusiasm has been lacking,” Baird said. “This is an off-year state election, after all, but as the race draws to a close and Bob McDonnell maintains his lead, I’m confident our members will be willing to contribute just a little bit more to ensure a Republican victory in Virginia.”

Both student organizations have 11 days left to canvass and rally before the election.