Conservative Youth Invade CPAC

From February 9-11, CPAC – the oldest and largest American gathering of conservative activists – attracted the big guns and droves of energized college kids.

And the stats are on the youngsters’ side: from 2007 to 2012, there was a 233% increase in youth attendance at CPAC (The Daily Beast). Now that is saying something, with the consideration that the White House incumbent absolutely dominated the teen and twenty-something demographic not too long ago. This means, then, that there is ‘hope’ for a significant ‘change’ in the near-future voting patterns of millennials.

While there en masse, ripe and hungry students attended seminars on topics ranging from economic policies to border security, sustainable Natural Gas to the Constitution and its timeless principles. Group members met prominent leaders like businessman Herman Cain, U. S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Member of the European Parliament Daniel Hannan. They also had the opportunity to network with close to 5,000 fellow collegians from across the United States and around the world.

Of the three Republican presidential candidates whom addressed the convention – Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, and Newt Gingrich – two appeared to have a noticeable youth presence. To varying extents, the trio each had a contingency of followers throughout the weekend; however, the former Massachusetts Governor and former U. S. Senator from Pennsylvania  garnered the healthiest support amongst youngsters. Romney, for one, attracted a vocal bunch, consisting mostly of college students, whom chanted “Mitt! Mitt! Mitt!” – a seemingly organic cause – in the halls of the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. On the contrary, Santorum was featured at a Students for Life of America (SFLA) morning rally where he defended the sanctity of human life. The pair will continue their duel and opportunity to court young voters in the string of crucial primaries to follow.

This time, Libertarian-minded candidate Ron Paul, a college student favorite, opted against speaking to the 10,500-member strong committed conservative clan. Instead, the Texas Congressman campaigned in Maine where he finished second in their February 11 caucuses behind Romney.

A decent-sized crowd gathered outside the venue near the Metro transit entrance in support of more government programs. On-site reports indicate that individuals, sadly including youthful folks, were compensated $60 for their efforts. Protesters displayed mass-produced signs that read “We are the 99%” and “Occupy CPAC.”

The American Conservative Union, host of CPAC, conducted a straw poll amongst Conference attendees. Romney won the much anticipated vote with 38% of ballots cast, while Santorum finished in second, former U. S. House Speaker Gingrich third, Paul – the victor of the 2010 and 2011 surveys – a distant fourth.

The next set of presidential primaries occurs February 28 in Arizona and Michigan. Romney, who was born and raised in the Great Lakes State, won in his backyard four years prior. The margin of victory was around 8%. Although the upcoming election is expected to be closer, the Detroit native seeks to springboard into Super Tuesday with an impressive outcome.

Nicholas Kowalski writes for The College Conservative and The Other Side Blog. Follow him, @NKowalski, on Twitter for the latest scoop. If you wish to schedule an interview, visit the “About The Blogger” page.