At Biola, it is common to see a group of students huddled around a television eating pizza and socializing. However, it is not common for them to be discussing politics. But this was what happened Tuesday night when the Biola College Republicans hosted an election party at a local home. About 20 Biola students turned out to snack, talk, and watch CNN’s coverage of the election results.
The living room was decorated with “Meg 2010” signs and the tables were covered in appropriately red table cloths, along with posters that pictured President Obama subtitled “Resist!” The atmosphere was relaxed and cordial, but the mood was surprisingly not celebratory.
This year’s elections were a turning point for the Republicans, who gained 60 seats in the House of Representatives. According to the New York Times, this surpasses the 52 seat turnover of the landmark 1994 elections.
Election reflects both victories and defeats
The large turnover was expected and the Biola College Republicans were happy with the outcome. But the victory in the House was slightly spoiled by a still-Democratic Senate majority, as well as the victory of Jerry Brown over Meg Whitman for governor of California. The attitude of the club members reflected this defeat-tainted victory.
Jessica Lansford, a junior mathematics major and the group’s secretary, said that while Brown knows how to lead effectively, he is “very left,” and “not good for the direction of California.” Daniel Zumbo, a senior psychology major and the president of the group, agreed saying that while Whitman had little experience, she was the “lesser of two evils.”
Lansford, however, was “still optimistic” about the tight race between Barbara Boxer and Carly Fiorina for a senator seat in California. Ultimately, Boxer, a well-known liberal, won the election.
Students celebrate defeat of Prop 19
Aside from the victories of Brown and Boxer, the defeat of Proposition 19, which sought to legalize marijuana for recreational use in California, was a point of exultation for Forrest Reynolds, a sophomore business marketing major. “I was adamantly against Prop 19; I’m very happy that it didn’t pass,” Reynolds said.
This slight disappointment in the election results seemed to convey what the members of the club feel about the state of American government. They feel that while it is on a road towards improvement, apathy among students including those at Biola, towards politics must be remedied in order to make an impact.
Students recognize importance of political involvement
Zumbo considers participation in government a Christian duty. “As Christians we need to make changes that we want to see in politics,” he said. “We need to understand that we are in the next generation to lead this country.”
Lansford also stressed the importance of Biola students’ involvement in politics. “Our country is headed down paths that aren’t godly,” she said. “You don’t necessarily need to be a Republican. Just study the Bible for direction and don’t be afraid to talk about how our country is run.”
