Editor’s note: This article was initially published in The Daily Gazette, Swarthmore’s online, daily newspaper founded in Fall 1996. As of Fall 2018, the DG has merged with The Phoenix. See the about page to read more about the DG.
Larry DeMarco, the Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania’s 161st district, spoke to Swarthmore students yesterday night about his plan to retain college graduates in the state. The visit, organized by the College Democrats, was an opportunity for students to meet the candidate before he goes up against the Republican incumbent in the November 6 general elections.
DeMarco wants to create an internship co-op network for college graduates with degrees in political science, history, sociology, or communications. Through this program, DeMarco aims to create new job opportunities for college graduates to help stem their migration out of state.
When the talk was scheduled to start, only a handful of students sat in the circle of chairs in Parrish Parlors assembled around DeMarco. College Democrats President, Allegra Pocinki ’14, introduced DeMarco to the group.
DeMarco spoke about his platform, which includes education reforms, job creation, and policies to protect the Marcellus Shale region from hydraulic fracking. He says the Assembly needs ten more Democratic seats in order to implement his platform.
By visiting Swarthmore, DeMarco wanted to highlight the importance of student voter participation in political elections. “Students can make a difference. Each individual can touch the people around them and have an ability to bring about social change by participating in the political process,” said DeMarco.
According to College Democrats secretary, Damella Dotan ’15, DeMarco’s visit fits in perfectly with the club’s mission of promoting and organizing campaigns for the Democratic Party’s platform. “There was not a single issue I can say our club is at odds with him,” said Dotan. The club strongly endorses his plan to retain college graduates, his anti-fracking policies, and his stance against the Ultrasound Bill of Pennsylvania, a bill that requires a woman have an ultrasound test at least twenty-four hours before she receives an abortion.
The College Democrats are campaigning for Democratic candidates until November through phone banking sessions, door-to-door canvassing, and further visits from candidates and sitting politicians. They have their sights on the Democratic US Congressman George Badey and even–why not?–President Obama.
Featured image courtesy of Larry DeMarco For State Representative.
