A crowd of politically active students and professors gathered in Billy Bluejays Alumni Bar to watch President Obama win a second term as President on Election Night. This election was not the only race being closely watched, as senate and house positions were also determined. One race being watched very closely by the Political Science professors was the election of Political Science Professor Dr. Sue Crawford, who won a spot in a very close race for a position in Nebraska State Legislature. The event in Billy Blues Alumni Bar was organized by the Political Science department in coordination with both the College Democrats and the College Republicans. “Last election, it was decided sooner. There were so many tight races this year,” said Jolene Richwine, Political Science Administrative Assistant, who also helped organize the event. One race being watched very closely by the Political Science professors was the election of Political Science Professor Dr. Sue Crawford, who won a spot in a very close race for a position in Nebraska State Legislature. Another race many students seemed to be excited about was the Missouri Senate race between incumbent Democrat Claire McCaskill and her opponent, Republican Todd Akin. “Claire McCaskill and Akin, that’s one everyone’s been excited about that Claire McCaskill won,” said Richwine. Akin was harshly criticized for comments regarding “legitimate rape” and pregnancy. Richwine had been watching the campaign very closely for many months, admits she has been overwhelmed with calls and campaign ads, and was relieved to have the election over with. “I live in Iowa, we’ve been bombarded,” said Richwine. “I don’t think they ever quit after last election.” According to Richwine, one of the main reasons this viewing party was hosted at Billy Bluejays was the number of televisions, which could show different stations, such as CNN and Fox News. “It’s been a good venue area. They’ve been very good to us,” said Richwine. Before Obama was announced as the winner, Richwine stated “I hope the nation can come together no matter who is elected,” said Richwine. “There’s just been too much negativity.” Richwine believes the department represents a mix of political views. “Political Science is evenly divided amongst Republicans and Democrats, but they get along well,” said Richwine. “It’s more policy driven rather than based on misinformation.” In previous years the Political Science department had gathered in the political science department until four years ago, when a viewing party was held in the Harper auditorium. “We’ve done this every election,” said Political Science Professor Philip Meeks, referring to the election viewing gathering. “When we did it in Political Science department we would be fighting over the television.” Meeks believe the Creighton community was less enthusiastic about this election than it was the 2008 Presidential Election. “People are a little disenchanted with Obama, so perhaps he’s not stirring up the passion he did four years ago,” said Political Science Professor Scott Hendrickson. Hendrickson believes part of the reason students may be less politically engaged is that politicians tend to focus less on Nebraska and instead concentrate their resources on Iowa, which is a swing state. “This is a conservative campus,” said Meeks. “There’s no doubt about it.” If there would have been a Presidential poll on campus, Meeks suspects Romney would have won. Meeks believe the Creighton community was less enthusiastic about this election than it was the 2008 Presidential Election. Arts and Sciences senior Katie Hansen was one student who choose to watch the election at Billy Blues. “I wanted to watch the election with people my own age,” said Hansen. “I work for Lee Terry, and I had a chance to watch it at the campaign office, but I’d rather watch it with friends in an environment that’s not so partisan.” Republican Congressman Lee Terry defeated John Ewing in a very close race, and will be serving an eighth term in Congress Hansen, who describes herself as politically active, says she’s glad the election has ended. “I’m glad it’s over,” said Hansen. “We need to move on to something else. This is the most expensive election ever. The fiscal cliff is looming and we need to do something about it.”

Written by: Michael Batchelder