Sey.Naci
01-03-2008, 11:33 PM
Paul wins GOP precinct in Ames (http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080103/NEWS09/80103062/-1/SPORTS09)
Ames, Ia. Texas Congressman Ron Paul pulled off an upset in a Republican Ames precinct made up predominantly of Iowa State University students. Paul logged 29 votes to finish 10 ahead of former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who came in second.
Chase Cockrell, an ISU graduate student from New Orleans, stumped on Paul's behalf before the vote. He stressed Paul's views on limited government and the U.S. Constitution. His comments drew applause and a few hoots from the audience.
He said Paul's use of the internet gave his popularity a boost among college students.
David Kral, 21, of Ames, said he decided to caucus for Paul after the candidate gave a speech on the ISU campus a few months ago.
Kral described himself as a Democrat, but he switched to the GOP so he could caucus for Paul.
"I had to register today," he said. "I was a Democrat for the last presidential election."
Adam Kolosik, a 19-year-old ISU freshman from North English, volunteered as the caucus chairman for the precinct, which borders the ISU campus to the west. Kolosik said he'd never been to a caucus, and he worried that he would be overwhelmed by the chairman's responsibilities.
"There was a lot going on, but it wasn’t too bad," he said when it was over.
The caucus date fell in the middle of ISU"s winter break, which sparked speculation that many college students would either choose to participate in their hometowns or not caucus at all. More than 60 votes were cast.
Kolosik had set up the registration table in a small room at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, but he was forced to a larger room as the crowd grew.
He chalked up the unexpected student turnout to the high stakes of the 2008 presidential race.
"It's a huge election," he said. "This year could bring some big changes."
Ames, Ia. Texas Congressman Ron Paul pulled off an upset in a Republican Ames precinct made up predominantly of Iowa State University students. Paul logged 29 votes to finish 10 ahead of former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who came in second.
Chase Cockrell, an ISU graduate student from New Orleans, stumped on Paul's behalf before the vote. He stressed Paul's views on limited government and the U.S. Constitution. His comments drew applause and a few hoots from the audience.
He said Paul's use of the internet gave his popularity a boost among college students.
David Kral, 21, of Ames, said he decided to caucus for Paul after the candidate gave a speech on the ISU campus a few months ago.
Kral described himself as a Democrat, but he switched to the GOP so he could caucus for Paul.
"I had to register today," he said. "I was a Democrat for the last presidential election."
Adam Kolosik, a 19-year-old ISU freshman from North English, volunteered as the caucus chairman for the precinct, which borders the ISU campus to the west. Kolosik said he'd never been to a caucus, and he worried that he would be overwhelmed by the chairman's responsibilities.
"There was a lot going on, but it wasn’t too bad," he said when it was over.
The caucus date fell in the middle of ISU"s winter break, which sparked speculation that many college students would either choose to participate in their hometowns or not caucus at all. More than 60 votes were cast.
Kolosik had set up the registration table in a small room at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, but he was forced to a larger room as the crowd grew.
He chalked up the unexpected student turnout to the high stakes of the 2008 presidential race.
"It's a huge election," he said. "This year could bring some big changes."