Pekin High School - Pekinian Yearbook (Pekin, IL)

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Important people bring many followers. Stephens, virtually unknown before the election, had Senator Edward Kennedy as the key drawing card to a rally at the arena. Even though Kennedy was almost an hour late, many people stayed to support the Democrats. The crowd cheered (and ieered) as Ford and Michel walked in hand-in-hand to kick off the Republican rally in the E.C. gym. .PEKIN wn rnME$ Campaigning is old hat to Ex-President Ford. However, he turned up not to campaign for himself, but for Robert Michel. The Republicans hoped to “balance out Ted Kennedy’s visit with Ford. Pekin welcomed G. Douglas Stephens at the arena as he tried to win support in his congressional race against Robert Michel. Politics 19

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PEKIN . WELCOMES K Senator ft KENNEDY ' Political life uncovered: 18 year-olds participate “W„l Rea-ganomics play in Peoria?” Well, according to the results of the 1982 congressional election — yes — at least until 1984 when Ronald Reagan is up for re-election. In an effort to keep Republican Robert Michel in the House, Ex-President Gerald Ford visited Pekin for the second time and presented a pep rally in the East Campus Gymnasium for juniors and seniors. His campaign work paid off as Michel was re-elected House Minority Leader over G. Douglas Stephens. For the State Senate, however, the parties were reversed, and the incumbent lost. Democrat Richard Luft defeated his Republican opponent and incumbent Craig Findley. Findley and Luft both gave speeches to American Government classes. Mr. Donald Vedas, American Government teacher said, ‘‘The nominees came to tell the students first hand how State Legislators operate.” According to Mr. Jim Carner, “50 students from Pekin were able to vote in the Congressional Election in November and close to 169 students had registered in time for the city elections in April.” Brian Redmon, American Government student, was deputized so that he would be able to register PCHS students as legal voters. Other students had more pull than just voting. Spending their time campaigning for their favorite candidates were Tami Lussenhop, Rich Barr, and Glen Ogle. However, this was not done without merit. Mr. Jordan, Mr. Carner and Mr. Vedas all give extra credit for student involvement in the elections. The gym was adorned with red, white, and blue balloons and banners to welcome House Minority Leader Robert Michel and his entourage of supporters. Representative Michel spoke to a large audience of students, faculty, and community members to gain support. 18 Politics

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In from of the camera instead of behind it, Pekinian and Pekinois photographers Brett Miller and Jon Walker take a break during ex-President Ford's visit to Pekin. Getting involved, Patrick Wood registers to vote in the April election, as senior Brian Redmon looks on. Campaigning for their favorite candidate, these American Government students gain extra credit outside of class. 20 Politics