As the Democratic presidential primaries across the country continue, Marquette students are watching the results carefully, especially those who have joined groups supporting presidential candidates.
Take, for example, the supporters of Democratic frontrunner Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.). Members of Students for Kerry spent Tuesday night at the Miller Time Pub, 509 W. Wisconsin Ave., in a generally noisy and jubilant setting, as the word spread that Kerry had done well in the seven primaries held Tuesday.
For senior Megan Toal-Rossi, the founder of Students for Kerry, watching Kerry take charge in the primaries is especially sweet. Toal-Rossi helped bring Vanessa Kerry, the daughter of the senator, into the Brew Bayou to talk about her famous father. The group now consists of around 30 people, including a few professors, Toal-Rossi said.
"There is more and more momentum coming to our side," Toal-Rossi said.
Senior Lizzy Leahy, a member of Students for Kerry, said that she knew that Kerry was a strong candidate "when people realized that he has the best chance of beating George W. Bush."
She said that his appeal to Democratic voters gave him strong assistance in the primaries.
Toal-Rossi is beginning to look past the primaries and to the general election in November. She cited recent polls that said that if given the choice between Bush and Kerry, voters would choose Kerry.
"People are upset," Toal-Rossi said. "They want a change. Kerry can do that."
Still, Toal-Rossi said that her work was definitely not done. On Feb. 15, when Marquette hosts a debate for the Democratic presidential candidates, she will gather with other members of Students for Kerry for a debate-watching party.
Leahy agreed that the group was developing a presence on campus.
"I think (Kerry's) message needs to get out more, but people dedicated to the cause are telling their friends," Leahy said.
The group also applied for recognition from Marquette Student Government last semester, but is still pending approval from MUSG. Toal-Rossi said that even with all the work and challenges, she is confident in her decision to support Kerry.
"Kerry is more composed, calm and confident," she said. "I know that he is the best."
Yet even with Kerry appearing to have a commanding lead in the primaries, groups supporting other candidates have been created and are either recognized by MUSG or seeking recognition.
For example, Students for (Ret.) Gen. Wesley Clark is a stronger organization after his win in Oklahoma, according to senior Michael Welsh-Phillips, the president of Students for Clark. The organization is also seeking recognition from MUSG. Although the group has not done much yet, Welsh-Phillips said they have worked with the local Clark campaign headquarters. He plans to bring his group, which currently is comprised of 10 to 15 students, to the Weasler Auditorium to view the debate. The debate will be simulcast at the Weasler.
Welsh-Phillips said he was happy with the results of the latest primaries.
"(Clark) did pretty well, especially since Kerry got a big boost after winning Iowa and New Hampshire," Welsh-Phillips said. He said Clark's personable demeanor and military history drew voters to the Clark campaign.
"He should do well (in the Wisconsin primary)," Welsh-Phillips said.
Other groups are on the decline. According to sophomore Chris Slocombe, a member of Students for Dean, the supporters of former Vermont governor Howard Dean were left reeling by his poor showings in the primaries Tuesday.
"It's really hard to say what will happen, but the momentum that Kerry has is too much," Slocombe said.
Slocombe said that the group would still work hard to spread the message of Dean, but they were less optimistic of his chances of capturing the primary.
Democratic groups are not the only ones watching the primaries with interest. Freshman Daniel Suhr, the campaign director of the College Republicans and the founder of Students for Bush, said Bush is ready for whoever wins the primary. They are also seeking MUSG recognition.
"America's still ideologically divided, but Bush's approval ratings are steady and his campaign war chest is full," Suhr said. He said he believed that donors to Democratic candidates were quite possibly "tapped out."
"Before Iowa, the man was bankrupt," Suhr said of Kerry.
The College Republicans are trying to plan an event at the Alumni Memorial Union the same day as the debate. They have also posted a banner in the AMU, Suhr said.
According to Pamela Larde coordinator for student organizations and leadership in the Office of Student Development, no groups supporting John Edwards, the Rev. Al Sharpton or Joseph Lieberman, who left the race Tuesday, have applied for recognition. Members of Students for Dennis Kucinich and the College Democrats could not be reached for comment.