SEO: Ehrlich encourages UMD Republicans Former Gov.

Ehrlich inspires political involvement Young conservatives receive motivation from Republican
Jimenez Hall buzzed with lively conversation Tuesday night, as young conservative students anticipated the arrival of Marylands former governor and republican, Robert Ehrlich. Sponsored by the universitys College Republicans, Ehrlich spoke about the current state of the Republican Party. He emphasized the importance of student involvement, critical thinking, and insisted that students have the power to make an impact. Eighty-five percent of success is just showing up, Ehrlich said, quoting Woody Allen. With a new year and the midterm House of Delegate elections coming up, he insisted that 2014 is a great opportunity to show up. Reviving the Republican Party Ehrlich is one of six republicans in Maryland history to serve as governor, and was the first to hold office since 1966. As governor of Maryland from 2003 to 2007, he is accredited with the construction of 123 transportation projects, development of the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Act, and transformation of debt into surplus. (more) Former Governor Ehrlich (right) receives new University of Maryland apparel from sophomore Republican Breyer Hillegas
Photo by Amanda Chesser

In his speech, Ehrlich explained how policies like Obamacare affect students. He also gave students advice: Learn to think critically. Figure out your thoughts and opinions by yourself, because then you can back [them] up and explain why you think the way you do, Ehrlich said. He addressed the current Republican split, and insisted that the divide between Tea Partyers and Progressives is unsubstantial. We agree on most of the major

Figure out your thoughts and opinions by yourself because then you can back them up
-Former Gov. Ehrlich

issues, so why fight? Ehrlich said, emphasizing Republican unity. Its a team sport. Ehrlich also stressed the GOPs need to communicate better with the public. When properly delivered our message is a good one, and we can win. Audience members react Many audience members, including Drew Weinberger, a freshman business major, came to hear Ehrlichs take on the recent government shutdown. Another spectator, senior history major Joey Kalmin, became a supporter of Ehrlich after witnessing his accomplishments in office. However, for Danny Mackey, a sophomore civil engineering major, this was the first time hearing Ehrlich speak. He was a down-to-earth guy- not polished at all, Mackey said, adding that he found Ehrlichs charisma appealing and effective. (more)

But Lee Havis, an experienced conservative of Prince Georges community, found fault with Ehrlichs message, and insists that Republicans compromise too much. We need to fight, Havis said. Battle is won not in issues but in public opinion. [We need] to stand for what we believe in, win or lose like Martin Luther King, go to jail- this is a blood fight. Students gather in Jimenez Hall Tuesday night to hear Gov. Robert Ehrlich speak.
Photo by Amanda Chesser

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SEO: Massoni undertakes electronic press Ehrlich communications adapt to techy times Press Secretary Greg Massoni utilizes technology to advance Ehrlichs campaign
As a Republican candidate in a traditionally liberal demographic, former Gov. Robert Ehrlich had unfavorable odds in the 2002 Maryland election. From the start, he knew he needed a strong communications team to compete with his more-favorable contenders. To guide his campaigns communications, he selected Greg Massoni as his Press Secretary. But Massoni was different; his experience with the electronic press set him apart and aided the success of Ehrlichs election. An untraditional perspective I understood how we needed to communicate with the general public, Massoni said. He explained how advancements in technology and social media growth changed the way people received their information, and as a result, revolutionized journalism. In the past, journalism stressed accuracy and facts, Massoni said. But now, successful journalism depends on speed: whoever can get the story online first. (more) Greg Massoni was the Deputy Director of Communications and Press Secretary for Governor Ehrlich during his time in office. Photo by Amanda Chesser

Electronic media has less opportunity to be unfair, he added. In Ehrlichs campaign, Massoni manipulated this to his advantage. Because news was so available, competition for information was high. By researching different perspectives on issues, and getting to know the medias bias, Massoni said, You can recognize who your enemies are. Ehrlich said his favorite source of information, among other media, is The Wall Street Journal. You have to figure out what theyre doing, Ehrlich said, And get smarter in your responses.

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SEO: Ehrlich to speak at UMD UMD Republicans present Former Gov. Robert Ehrlich
The University of Maryland College Republicans will host former Gov. Robert Ehrlich as he addresses the current state of Maryland politics and his new book, Turn This Car Around. Ehrlich will speak at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22, in Room 0220 of Jimenez Hall, followed by a question-and-answer session. The meeting is open to all. For more information, visit the College Republicans website at http://umdrepublicans.wordpress.com. Twitter @umdrepublicans Email: Umdrepublicans.@gma il.com Contact UMD Republicans

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