By
Jose Ceja
Arizona Daily Wildcat
National Democratic woes don't affect UA groups
Despite concern that Green Party candidate Ralph Nader has become a serious threat to the Democratic ticket, UA Young Democrats are focusing more on issues and not discouraging Nader voters, the organization's adviser said.
Democratic supporters - including the Rev. Jesse Jackson - have been sent to college campuses in swing states such as Wisconsin and Michigan to dissuade Green voters.
In some states, the National Abortion and Reproductive Action League has begun to air commercials to convince voters that a vote for Nader is a vote for Bush.
While there has been limited attention from the two major parties in Arizona, Arthur Silvers, adviser for the UA Young Democrats said his group is still promoting issues of importance to the Democratic Party.
"What this group tends to do is talk about the issues instead of being predatory," said Silvers, who is also a professor in public administration and policy said.
Silvers said there hasn't been any effort on behalf of the Young Democrats to dissuade Green voters.
"We haven't heard of anything like that," he said.
Al Gore, who is shown trailing slightly behind George W. Bush in many polls, could potentially lose the presidency since Nader, who has a small following in most states, threatens to divide the liberal vote.
As of time of publication, Gallup polls - based on likely voters - gave Republican George W. Bush 49 percent of the vote and Democrat Al Gore received 42 percent with a 2 percent margin of error.
With many voters still undecided, Nader's 3 percent could be the decisive factor in a very close presidential race.
"A vote for Nader is not a vote for Bush," said Susan Shobe, president of University of Arizona Young Greens. "The only thing beating Al Gore is Al Gore."
Shobe said the Greens are dissatisfied with Gore's record, citing issues such as the environment. Gore has not mandated higher fuel efficiency standards and "bowed to automobile interests," she said.
Henry Kenski, UA associate professor of political science said college-age voters have traditionally been more supportive of third-party candidates.
"People voting for Nader are interested in change and see little difference between the two major parties," Kenski said.
He agreed that college students, because they are usually uninvolved in issues related to the work force, are in a position that allows them to be more idealistic and supportive of more progressive candidates.
Lack of advertising and campaigning in Arizona from the Democrats may be a sign that the they consider the state lost, Kenski said.
"The fact that they (Democrats) are not out here says to me that they are focusing attention elsewhere," Kenski said.
Although a vote for Nader may help to elect George W. Bush, Nader supporters believe it is the start of something new, Kenski said.
"Young people are interested in change," he said.
Gore's stance on the death penalty, his views on increasing military spending and the war on drugs, his insincere stance on abortion and his support of the World Trade Organization have left the Greens displeased, Shobe said.
UA Young Greens plan to hold discussions this week and will have a table on the UA Mall every Monday, Wednesday and Friday until the election.
The discussions, entitled "Why Vote Green?" will be tomorrow in the Senior Ballroom from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursday in the Arizona Ballroom from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
