Rendell visits Penn in bid to rally student support

Ed Rendell, Democratic candidate for governor, former Philadelphia mayor and Penn alumnus, spoke to students yesterday afternoon at an on-campus rally held in support of his campaign.

Penn for Rendell, part of the College Democrats, hosted the event, held on Wynn Commons. Villanova, Temple and Drexel universities were also represented.

Rendell tailored his speech to the student population, connecting his plans for economic growth with his hopes to encourage Pennsylvania's college students to remain in the state upon graduation.

"We're losing our most valuable product," he said. "We're losing our best young people because there aren't enough opportunities. It's up to the state to evaluate [and create] those opportunities."

Aside from garnering support for his campaign, Rendell and the organizations involved also hoped to encourage Penn's students to get involved in the political process. Voter registration forms and absentee ballot request forms were available.

"It's really important for students to get involved in the political process in the city and the state because it directly effects us," College freshman Emily Belmont Conn said.

Rendell's campaign approached the College Democrats seeking support for the rally, and members of Penn for Rendell were eager to help. The group assisted with organization of the event and coordination with the University.

While the College Democrats do not officially endorse either Rendell or his opponent in the May democratic primaries -- Auditor General Bob Casey Jr. -- many in the group are supportive of Rendell.

"There is huge support for Rendell on Penn's campus," said College Democrats Chairwoman Cheryl Isaac, a College junior. "Many individual students volunteer for his campaign, a lot of whom are members of the College Democrats."

Between the Democratic Party's two gubernatorial candidates, many Penn students see Rendell as the more liberal of the two.

"Rendell is more progressive," College sophomore Shahab Shaghaghi said. "I'm a new Democrat, and he seems to be the candidate who embodies more of what I believe and where the party should go."

Rendell has also come out in favor of abortion rights whereas Casey takes a prolife stance.

"I agree with what Rendell stands for," Conn said. "He is pro-choice whereas Casey is not, and he is pro-gun control whereas Casey also is not."

Many students attending yesterday's rally said they relate to Rendell's visions and ideals, as well as his political stance.

"College students are idealists," Wharton freshman Patrick Sherlock said. "Ed Rendell brings experience and is familiar with realistic aspirations but still brings dreams for the future."

In addition to being an alumnus of Penn, Rendell also teaches a political science course each fall. Rendell served as mayor of Philadelphia for eight years, and many credit him with turning Philadelphia's economy around during his term.

If elected, Rendell said he would seek increased federal support for issues he says the state is not adequately addressing, such as prescription drug coverage and welfare.

"I hope to be a spokesperson for national issues," he said. "A lot of things can be done in Harrisburg, but some things need to be done at the national level."

Not all students at the rally, however, agreed with Rendell's political positions.

"The voters don't agree with Rendell on gun owners' rights and the rights of the unborn," said College Republican Chairman Brett Singer. "For all his appeal and all the money he spends, he won't be the next governor of Pennsylvania."

Still, most students attending the rally hope to see Rendell bring his Philadelphia experience to the state's highest office.

"He brought a great amount of pride to the city," said College sophomore Rocco Palmo, a native of Philadelphia. "He made Philadelphia feel good about itself and I hope he can do the same for the state."

Rendell certainly shares that hope.

"We need to make the state a more vibrant place," he said. "We need to create more jobs and diversify the economy. I did a good job before as mayor, and I will do a good job again as governor."

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