Duke Students Work the Conventions

Photo Credit (right): Herald-Sun

Duke students from both political parties are involved in helping their candidates for president during this election season.

Daniel Strunk, a member of Duke's Alexander Hamilton Society, attended the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla. last week. Here, he is pictured at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

Strunk, a junior double majoring in political science and economics, collects signed Constitutions. While at the convention he was able to get the signatures of several party leaders including Sen. Marco Rubio, Sen. Richard Burr, Mayor Mia Love, political commentator Donna Brazile, political strategist Karl Rove, Gov. Chris Christie, Sen. John Thune, Sen. John Kyl and columnist Jonah Goldberg.

Said Strunk, "As someone who loves politics, being able to see the biggest names in the Republican Party give speeches back to back to back was fantastic. Usually you're lucky to hear just one big name give a speech. But six-plus big names all in one night? It was great."

Botella, an A.B. Duke scholar from Charlotte, was selected to serve as a North Carolina delegate at the Democratic National Convention, held in her hometown. She said her election is a move toward giving younger voters a greater voice on issues that matter to them.

"Historically, young adults have been underrepresented at the Democratic and Republican National Conventions," Botella said. This year, however, about a fifth of the delegation of 158 will be under the age of 35 and five are college students, she said.

"This is significant because we constitute political representation that will be forward-looking," said Botella, president of the College Democrats of North Carolina and a former president of Duke Democrats. "Young Americans and college students really have 'skin in the game' when it comes to climate change, fiscal sustainability and education."

Botella and other members of Duke Democrats attended an official youth event at the convention.