On Thursday, October 9, former Maryland Governor Bob Ehrlich spoke to an audience of approximately 80 people in the Programming Room of the Andrew White Student Center concerning an array of political topics. Those in attendance included members of the local community, faculty and a large number of politically aware students.
The Loyola College Republicans, the Political Science department and the Student Government Association sponsored the discussion entitled "An Evening on Political Discourse."
Mobilization and education of the college electoral has been an ongoing effort on campus this fall. With the election season rapidly nearing its closure and the dawn of a new political era now on the horizon, now more than ever seems a fitting time to host such a discussion.
The concept for the discussion and its development resulted from the efforts of Loyola College junior Nick Centanni, an Economics major and president of the Loyola College Republicans, who had been planning the event for over a month and a half. The discussion was one of many initiatives taken on by the club to promote political awareness and actively engage students in politics this fall.
"I think there is a lot of misinformation out there," says Nick, "and I think this type of event allows people to think about issues more and listen to the perspective of someone that has actually been there."
Actively engaging in politics, and paying attention to the actions and decisions made by those in the political sphere is something many consider important and is why an interactive discussion such as this is a vital component in igniting college students' political awareness.
"You get the government you deserve," says Dr. Stephen Walter, Economics professor and faculty advisor for the Loyola College Republicans, "and if you don't pay attention, even though it may be narrowly rational not to pay much attention to these things; if everyone does what is in their narrow, short term interest, then what you get is a really bad political outcome."
Governor Erhlich was one of only six Republican governors in Maryland's history. He attended the Gilman School in Baltimore. Upon high school graduation, he went on to attend Princeton University where he studied Political Science and co-captained the football team. After graduating from Princeton in 1979, he went on to attend Wake Forest University School of Law.
In 1986, Erhlich successfully ran for the House of Delegates and represented Baltimore County from 1987-1995. In 1994, Erhlich was elected to the US House of Representatives where he served on a number of different committees including the Commerce Committee and Energy Committee. Despite the fact that Maryland traditionally votes Democratic and had not elected a Republican governor in more than 40 years, Erlich was victorious in the 2002 Gubernatorial Election but was not elected for a second term. Ehrlich currently hosts a radio program on WBAL-AM Radio.
"From the get go the governor wanted it to be a very interactive evening," says Centanni.
Governor Ehrlich opened by saying, "I would like a very informal meeting. I would rather talk with you then at you." The former governor went on to say, "I want you to show me why you're at this great school and how that backs up your opinions. That's really what college is all about - it's the foundation of your intellectual development for the rest of your life as you all know."
The discussions of the evening ranged from current issues facing Maryland to national issues such as the financial crisis, yet the entire dialogue was peppered with jokes and advice for students and young political hopefuls. Ehrlich answered questions pertaining to a possible second term as governor, Maryland's current budget deficit under Governor O'Malley, the sub prime mortgage crisis and potential job loss in the financial sector.
Job scarcity, jobless and high unemployment rates in the financial sector is something that hits very close to home for Loyola students because a majority of Loyola students are pursuing a business degree. Ehrlich reassured concerned students that the Wall Street crisis, "should not disabuse and should not get in the way of any plans you have to major in business, get your MBA and go out and conquer the world."
Ehrlich also briefly touched on the impending presidential election and the pressure that comes with holding an executive office.
"I think it will be an interesting dilemma for one of them (Obama or McCain). It is a historic race, two Senators and no governor running," says Erhlich. "It's all guesswork about who is going to be the best executive because neither one has ever been an executive and their first time doing so and experiencing executive pressure will be as President of the United States."
To those students looking to go into a career in politics, Governor Ehrlich advised, "Learn how to write. Your ability to write in many cases is how people will judge you, how you write and how you think critically in difficult situations. Anyone can memorize facts, but being able to situate the facts and come to a logical and intellectual conclusion and be consistent in that conclusion is what defines you as a successful and smart person."
As a token of appreciation, the Loyola College Republicans presented Governor Ehrlich with a Loyola College jersey adorned with the number 10 on the back, a not-so- subtle hint at the Republican Club's hope for the 2010 election season.
"I was pleased with the outcome of the discussion," says Centanni, "I thought the governor provided keen political insight and meaningful leadership advice for all. I found his advice to be particularly relevant because the success of his career along with his accomplishments is proof of its validity."
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