Editor’s Note: This is a Q&A with College Republicans Chairman Laura Stone, a senior from Waynesboro double majoring in speech communication and political science and is pre-Med.

Q: Why did you want to be Chairman of the UGA College Republicans?
A: “It is interesting, since I don’t plan on having a career in politics. My friend David Kirby put it best – it’s almost a sense of duty as a citizen to serve in some capacity in the political process.”

Q: When do you meet?
A: “Every Wednesday at 7 p.m. in SLC room 214.”

Q: What goes on at the meetings?
A: “It really varies. We try to bring in dynamic speakers, people who can bring their interesting story to our chapter. We bring in politicians as well as speakers who are involved in the political process in some other way.”

Q: What are some examples of the speakers you are bringing in this semester?
A: “On Sept. 10 we (had) a pool party with State Senator Bill Cowsert. (Wednesday) we (had) Dr. Ralph Reed, who ran for lieutenant governor a few years back. And on (Sept. 24) we are going to have Sue Everhart, the chairman of the Georgia GOP.”

Q: Any requirements to be a part of the organization?
A: “There aren’t any requirements to become a member of the group, you don’t have to prove you’re conservative to be a member! We have a diverse group as far as ideologies go. We do ask that if you want to be an active member, and have voting rights within the organization, you should attend three meetings. There’s no fee to be a member.”

Q: What are you doing to support presidential candidate John McCain?
A: “We actually have a subcommittee, Dawgs for McCain, that works within the College Republicans. They work with the statewide McCain group. The group works to get materials here to the University to pass out, and organizes rallies and other various events throughout the semester.”

Q: How does the organization motivate students?
A: “The organization is focused on outreach, making sure that students are aware of McCain and his positions. We work to connect students to the campaign and help them find volunteer opportunities within the group.”

Q: What are three issues you think are most important in this upcoming election?
A: “I think the economy is obviously going to be addressed. Also defense, foreign policy. And for the third, I would say health care. I think those three issues are going to be popping up in the debates, and throughout the
semester.”

Q: What goes on when there isn’t a presidential campaign?
A: “We do focus a lot on voter registration. We also like to make sure there is a conservative education, making sure students know about different issues that are involved in the platform of the Republican Party. And, of course, there’s always volunteer opportunities.”

Q: Any fun upcoming events planned?
A: “We’re also planning a debate with the Young Democrats some time in October.”

For more information, visit www.ugarepublicans.com.