U.S. Senate candidate speaks to College Dems

Murray Levin began his career as a stockboy in a Philadelphia dress shop, a position he said has probably since been replaced by a low-powered computer. But there is nothing low-powered about the Democrat's hope of being elected to the U.S. Senate in November 2000. Levin, whose visit to Penn was organized by the Penn College Democrats, spoke before 50 students last night in the Quadrangle's McClelland Hall. He is currently an attorney in Philadelphia with the firm of Pepper Hamilton LLP. Throughout his speech, Levin -- who is vying for the Democratic nomination in a crowded field of candidates hoping to beat incumbent Rick Santorum -- expressed hope that young voters in the 18-25 age range would come out to the polls next year. "The professional politicians are counting on you not participating," Levin said. "If only 10 percent of people in this age group are voting, that means 90 percent aren't." If nothing else, he said he hoped that his race would help raise the typically low voting numbers among college students and the general public. Before his speech even began, Levin wasted no time in greeting as much of the audience as he could by circling the room and extending his hand to many students. He described himself as a lifetime Philadelphian who has a vested interest in the community and the American people. "I am running as a citizen-senator," Levin said, explaining that he does not believe in politicians spending their lives only in political office. Instead, he conveyed his desire to go to Washington, D.C., work for the people, create legislation and then come back and live under the reforms that he had created. Levin then divided his platform into two major sections: politics of participation and politics of inclusion. "This country has grown greatly due to participation," he said, encouraging students to become active in their communities. Exercising the right to vote, he said, is a major part of that value. Levin also stressed the importance of an all-inclusive society, saying that the "greatness" of America lies in its diversity. He did, however, say that he regretfully sees politics becoming more and more focused on money and fundraising. "The American people don't want a senator who is simply a good fundraiser," Levin said. This financial focus may keep otherwise qualified people out of the running, he added. Levin's talk also touched on a variety of other issues, ranging from public and private education to international relations, and from world trade to gun control. Students' questions following the speech indicated their interest in the topics that he had discussed, but one student in particular expressed skepticism regarding Levin's platform on reforming the school system. "Every candidate wants to improve education," the student said. "What is going to make you different?" Though he explained his ideas for bettering education, Levin quickly added that he is cautious about making any promises. "All I want to do is to try to move things in a better direction," Levin said. College junior Michael Bassik, who is the political platform director of the College Democrats and the Undergraduate Assembly treasurer, said he felt that Levin's talk was a great way to kick off the group's renewal after a two-year hiatus.