Republican Presidential Candidate Buddy Roemer visits PSU

On Wed., Oct. 5, the first lecture of many in the Presidential Candidate Lecture Series took place in the Hage room of the HUB. This series, brought to the Students of PSU and Plymouth community members by the Student Senate, hosted Republican Presidential Candidate, Buddy Roemer. This night was held for the purpose of Roemer to introduce himself and his stance on the many issues that are facing the country right now, and will continue to play vital roles in the next Presidential Election.

Roemer, who announced his intention to run for President just six short weeks ago at Dartmouth College, is a former governor, congressman, and native of Louisiana. He identifies most with his roots, the "farm boy" in himself, and feels this connects him to the philosophy that the American people don't need to be led by the lawyers and the politicians. Americans need to be led by the "jobs men." Though Roemer reveals he has been "out of politics for twenty years," he has returned to the field after a successful career in banking, with his eyes on the Presidency.

With the experiences learned from a successful gubernatorial term, having tackled various tasks running the gamut from battling a deficit, to lowering the unemployment rates and making sure qualified teachers were teaching in the public schools, Roemer feels he is the candidate to beat. "I'm the only guy (candidate), who was a congressman and governor," he stated at last Wednesday's lecture, seemingly validating his confidence.

Though it is interesting to note that, while Governor of Louisiana, Roemer changed from a conservative democrat to a moderately conservative republican, this seems to have helped rather than hindered his campaign. Roemer puts emphasis on the ability to "come together across party lines."

 "I've learned a lot by working across party lines," Roemer said. Though not the "first choice of Republicans," Roemer stands firm in his belief. Too often nowadays are republicans and democrats pitted against each other based on their party titles and the stereotypes that usually accompany them, not only in government but amongst the American people as well.

"I believe we need balance," Roemer declares. And this yearning to work together in the government and be able to see both sides of an argument rather than a republican value pitted against a democratic one, shows promise for the future that Roemer envisions. A future where America supports the "small business guy," where jobs are not being outsourced to China, where tax rates are flat, and where America is an energy independent nation.

Roemer also touched upon subjects that are extremely relevant to the students of PSU, and college students across the country. When asked what he would do to make sure college graduates will have jobs available to them, Roemer emphasized three major courses of action. "We will have energy independence and drill for natural gas safely; that's three million jobs. We will deregulate small business and let them grow; that's six million jobs," Roemer continued. "But most of all we will stop unfair trade in China. We will level the playing field; we will build ‘Made in America' again," He concludes.

If these ideas are put into action, Roemer foresees college students leaving school and being able to find upwards of 15 different job offers, going so far as to predict that "this nation could have its biggest boom since World War II."

When asked how he would control the rapidly rising college tuition prices, Roemer says he will always be looking for ways to address this subject, but is strong in the fundamental belief that, "Investment in colleges is not a good place to cut back."

Though still a relatively unknown candidate, Roemer is working hard to change that status. Basing his campaign out of Manchester, his goal is to have one million New Hampshire residents contribute to his campaign, whether that is through donation of time or money. He refuses, however, to participate in or hold any sort of major fundraiser, and will only accept contributions of no more than $100. He calls himself "a different kind of candidate."

"I need you New Hampshire," Roemer states upon the closing of his lecture. "I need you in Washington. The country needs you," he concludes. Will you heed this call and follow Roemer to Washington? For more information visit BuddyRoemer.com.