Republicans rejected

By Jen McShane
Collegian Staff
November 15, 2006

Born into a family where politics rules the dinner table talk, I became astutely aware of the “ins and outs” of government at a fairly young age. For me, turning 18 was not about being able to play the lottery, smoke or becoming “legal,” but was about finally being able to truly get the chance to make a difference in this country’s political scene. So, at the age of 18, I registered to vote, becoming the only Democrat in the entire family. Dinner time became a little more interesting, to say the least.

The 2006 elections were the first chance I had to use my ability to vote, and I was anxious to see the Republicans fall. I did what every other college student had to do: fill out an absentee ballot and eagerly await the results, hoping my newfound party would dominate.

This past Nov. 7 came quickly, with visits from politicians leading up to the big day. The day itself was normal, with classes that seemed endless, and that night, instead of returning home, plopping myself on the couch and watching the election results, I had to go to the La Salle phonathon. At the phonathon, I asked people to donate money to La Salle, all the while keeping an eye on the time when I would be released. Finally 9 p.m. came, and I tore out of the room to grab my bus at Olney Terminal.

As I waited for my bus, I hungrily and anxiously listened to the talk of my fellow commuters as they gossiped about who was winning what race. The bus ride home seemed extremely longer then usual. When I returned home, I found that my grandparents were glued to channel six as results poured in from races all over the country. I grabbed a seat, riveted to the television.

More and more races closed, and as the results were being announced, it appeared that the Democrats were doing fairly well, winning several key races. Political talk flew around the room as we theorized about why Democrats were doing so well. Most of the talk centered on President Bush and our concerns that he was harming his party through his policies. Good for my Democrats, bad for Republicans.

As the night went on and the new day approached, it was becoming more and more obvious that the Democrats were sweeping elections all across the country. My excitement mounted as it began to appear that the Democrats were going to do the unthinkable: take complete control of Congress away from the Republicans.

As the night went on and the new day approached, it was becoming more and more obvious that the Democrats were sweeping elections all across the country. My excitement mounted as it began to appear that the Democrats were going to do the unthinkable: take complete control of Congress away from the Republicans.

Dinner at home was lively and spirited as even that Republican stronghold was supporting the Democratic Party. It seems that everyone was ready for a change, and this was seen in the outcome of this extraordinary election.

mcshanej2@lasalle.edu