The nation needs conservatives who have a broad appeal, can win the votes and be respectful of others without giving up their principles, Congressman Todd Young said at a College Republicans meeting Monday.
Young is currently the representative for the 9th Congressional District of Indiana, which includes Bloomington, and has served in the position since 2010. The College Republicans invited him to address members and guests as a part of its election year speaker series.
“We have been seeing very little movement on several pressing issues in Washington D.C.,” Young said. “I take real interest in the details and actually getting things done.”
Young is running for the open Senate seat this year, which is being retired by Senator Dan Coats. Young said his record, which is the only one of all Republican primary candidates that includes passing a bill, proves he is solution-oriented and genuine.
“I’m running for you, and the next generation and even for the unborn,” Young said.
During his time as congressman, Young has worked with Purdue University president Mitch Daniels to create a solution for higher educational funding and student loan reform.
The plan, which implements income share agreements, allows employers to “invest” in students by funding their education, in exchange for a percentage of the individual’s income for a fixed set of time. These agreements have been implemented at Purdue, and have increased in popularity over the years across party lines.
“I’m not ashamed to admit some of the work I’ve done is bipartisan,” Young said. “We must persuade others of the merits of conservative values.”
Young also said he has saved taxpayer money by working on a budget that has cut $5 trillion in debt. He said he plans to take these conservative values with him, if elected as Senator.
The College Republicans, an organization that promotes conservative values on campus through community service and political discussions, has participated in several campaigning initiatives, from running phone banks to obtaining signatures for the Senate race.
Brian Gamache, chair of the College Republicans, said Young has consistently taken time to meet and engage with IU students.
“We helped Young get elected in 2010, with many of our campaigning efforts,” Gamache said. “We have a relationship that goes way back, and we really appreciate how responsive he’s been with us.”
Toward the end of the presentation, the floor was opened for students to ask Young questions about his future plans and political stances. Topics included alternative solutions to Obamacare, restrictions on research funding and stances on immigration reform.
“This is one of the only opportunities students have to talk to the congressman who represents the IU district, so we encourage students to speak up and ask questions,” said Nicole Keesling, vice chairman of the College Republicans. “We want to maintain these relationships, so we can have a voice in the election.”
