User:Worchd

It all began with the 2000 election. In 2000, Derek first associated himself with the Republican Party.

Derek believes in a conservative approach to governing: fiscal discipline with the federal budget, low taxes for all Americans, limited government, prayer in public schools, pro-life, and pro-traditional marriage.

In the 2004 election, Derek was a vocal Republican for local, state, and federal candidates. Derek made sure that his neighbors knew who he supported with more than ten-yard signs supporting leaders like President Bush, Gov. Daniels, Congressman Pence, and many more. In fact, even though Derek was not old enough to vote at the time, he was able to convince his parents to help elect Gov. Daniels and re-elect President Bush (an amazing task, since Derek’s parents are registered Democrats).

In 2005, Derek embarked upon a new challenge in his life: Hanover College. At Hanover, Derek is involved with Student Senate, Pre-Law Club, Relay for Life, Community Board of Standards (Judicial Board), and of course, College Republicans.

During his freshman year, Derek was (and will) continue to be a strong advocate for Republicans and conservatives. Every student has a right to voice his or her personal opinion; however, far too often, conservatives are oppressed by liberal leaning administrations.

In late 2005, a liberal organization on campus protested the Iraq War and President Bush. In order to defend America’s military and President Bush, Derek openly voiced opposition and ordered that the protest stop. And with other conservative voices, the protest stopped. Numerous conservatives voiced opposition to the un-moral protests, protests against the military men and women fighting for our freedoms. The liberal organization eventually apologized to the entire campus for creating “such a ruckus”. Derek believes that the integrity of the American solider was restored to Hanover’s campus.

Then in April 2006, Derek officially became vice-chairman for the Southeast. In his role as vice-chairman, Derek will work with College Republican chapters in southeast Indiana. Derek’s main goal will be to help elect and re-elect Republicans. There are three things to know about southeast Indiana, in particular the 9th Congressional District: there are more trees than people, more registered Democrats than Republicans, and many of those Democrats are really Republicans (they just don’t know this yet).

Derek sees a Republican victory in November as securing America’s future. However, this election will not be won by just pushing the party. Derek hopes to push values and conservative issues. By doing so, Americans will unite for a better American, and thus, they will vote for Republican candidates.

Once more, Derek sees himself as a true conservative Republican. He is, by all accounts, a devoted member of the party.