By John Cook
More than 300 students from Utah County gathered at the Wells Fargo Building on Friday, April 13, 2007, to learn how they can get involved with Students for Mitt.
Overwhelmed by the turnout, the owners of the Wells Fargo building announced that they would give back the $550 room fee as a donation to Mitt Romney”s campaign.
The donation worked as a springboard for the topic of the meeting – fundraising. “Students for Mitt is a program designed to help raise money for the campaign,” said Mary Romney, Mitt Romney”s daughter-in-law. “We hope that you all get involved right now.”
Craig and Mary Romney introduced the many opportunities that are available for students to help within the campaign.
“You can play a critical role,” Craig Romney said. “People of your age and energy play a huge role in campaigns.”
Students were told that there are opportunities to fundraise both on the local and national level.
“There is a lot of work to be done,” said Wade Eyerly, a supporter who has already raised $83,000 dollars for the campaign.
Eyerly said there are only three things everyone must ask themselves if they want to help – first, ask if they”re a supporter of the governor. Second, ask if they can donate today. Third, ask if they know anyone else to donate. “Everybody ought to be fundraising,” said Eyerly. “All you have to do is ask.”
Among the many opportunities that are available, students were asked to apply for internships.
Currently there are more than 55 slots available in the Boston office of the Romney campaign alone, said Todd Crainey, a member of Mitt Romney”s campaign staff.
The event was organized by BYU students who wanted to get students involved in the political process.
“We organized this event to highlight some of the opportunities that are available with Students for Mitt,” said Ryan Morley, a BYU student and organizer of the event.
Many BYU students came to learn how to get involved and find what opportunities were available to them.
“It helps them and it helps us,” said John Christensen, a BYU student majoring in political science. “We need internships and jobs and they need help raising money.”
Students were told that today is the time to stand up for what they believe in and help the best candidate for the job.
“We feel that Mitt is the man for the job,” Mary Romney said. When asked what one thing sets her father-in-law apart from the rest, Mary Romney said “Integrity.”
