Bloomsburg University - Obiter Yearbook (Bloomsburg, PA)

Page 31 text:

MOCK REPUBLICAN CONVENTION Initially conceived by the social science department during the summer of 67 , the idea of a mock political convention was introduced to our college for this impor- tant presidential year. The key to the entire program was the scheduling of an important speaker. The department was able to obtain the Honorable Gerald F. Ford, minority leader of the United States House of Representatives, for March 16, 1968. On this basis, the date of the convention was established. The steering committee, however, felt that a conven- tion with no preliminary speeches or rallies would not serve as an accurate representation of an actual political convention. With this in mind, a series of pre-convention activiti es were arranged which included state meetings for dissemination of information and the formation of strate- gy. Friday afternoon, March 15, E. John Bucci, public opinion pollster, and James Reichley, former legislative assistant to Governor Scranton, and associate editor of Fortune Magazine, participated in a seminar on The Republican Prospects in 1968 . Later that evening, Craig Truax, former state Republican chairman, former Secre- tary of the Commonwealth, and legislative assistant to the majority leader of the Pennsylvania General Assem- bly, held a pre-convention rally. With this program, 1,333 pseudo-delegates were attracted from 15 different colleges. 27

Page 33 text:

Tne weekend of March 15 was no ordinary weekend for those who were a part of the activity in Centennial Gymnasium. Students took part in an educational experi- ence so keyed with emotion that most of them were una- ware that they were learning about an important phase of our government. Comments were made to the effect that it was as reahs- tic as it could possibly be. All of the essentials were there —accurate decorations and physical lay-out, multiple roll calls, platform presentation and the ensuing fight, poll- ing of delegations and demonstrations. To the amazement of all, an amendment was pro- posed from the floor for the party platform, stating that the draft would be abohshed. A roll call vote defeated the proposal 770 to 563. The contest itself was a heated one, with the presidential nomination going to Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller on the second ballot, and the vice presidential slot going to Governor Ronald Reagan on the first ballot. For everyone who attended, the B.S.C. Mock Republican Convention of 1968 will be remem- bered as a unique and enjoyable experience. 29