Politically involved college students are rare. We are largely an inactive voting bloc whose voices are not always heard.

But we have a state budget in chaos and inevitable cuts on the horizon.

It is crucial that we work to elect candidates who understand the importance of higher education.

This need to protect our University crosses party lines.

Jeremy Dailey

Just because you identify as a Republican or Democrat doesn’t mean your party’s candidate will serve the best interests of you and the University.

Take a look at former Republican gubernatorial candidate Karen Handel.

Had Handel won my party’s nomination, I would not have supported her.

Why? Because she is no friend to higher education.

Don’t worry, I’m not just basing this on the fact that she does not have a college degree.

I asked Handel about her plans for higher education at an Oconee County GOP meeting. Her answer began with the statement, “I actually think the University System fared well in the budget process.”

This was followed by an array of bland talking points guaranteeing that the University System would be seeing no improvements under a Handel administration.

Thanks to the primaries, I no longer have to worry about Handel’s educational values.

But it’s statements like those that added to my extensive list of reasons regarding why I was going to vote for Roy Barnes come November.

On the flip side, many Democratic loyalists might flinch at the thought of voting for a Republican.

But State Senator Bill Cowsert, whose 46th district includes the Athens area, has been a strong advocate for the University in the General Assembly.

As Vice Chairman of the Senate Higher Education Committee, he is constantly fighting for our best interests.

There is no guarantee that any of his future opponents will do the same.

Cowsert is worthy of your support despite political differences.

State officials will be making big decisions concerning higher education next year.

We must start working now to make sure we elect the right guys to make these decisions.

Do not support a candidate based simply on party preference.

Make sure you are supporting those who value our university system and will strive to maintain its excellence.

Or, sit back and watch while higher education continues to suffer.

— Jeremy Dailey

is a senior from Conyers majoring

in political science