Pitt-Johnstown Republicans have stampeded back to campus, much like their party’s elephant symbol, to revive the UPJ College Republicans Club, which has been inactive for two years.

Twelve students attended the College Republicans’ first meeting Oct. 20.

Freshman Ed Sheets said the meeting was productive. He plans on running for club president when members vote on officer positions in the coming weeks.

“I want to make sure the organization gets up and running,” Sheets said.

Students who have helped to get the club running again include Cliff Maloney Jr., a freshman; Stephen Torquato, a freshman; and Jacob Zerby, a sophomore.

Sheets said that students should know who regional Republican candidates are, what issues they represent, and what they hope to accomplish. He said he hopes that the club makes students aware of the party’s values and goals.

According to Sheets, some of these Republican values and goals include small government, an abortion ban and political candidate accountability.

“We want to give the Republicans on campus a voice,” Sheets said.

Sheets said since a lot of students get their news from liberal media, it is beneficial to hear news and opinions from the other side of the political spectrum, especially since this is a nonfederal election year.

“2010 is a very important election year for the country,” Sheets said.

During the first meeting, there was much discussion of bringing in Republican candidates, including Tim Burns and Bill Russell, who are running for the Republican party nomination to unseat U.S. Rep. John P. Murtha, D-12th, in 2010.

If Burns and Russell would be willing to speak on campus, interested students would help moderate a debate between the two.

Bryan Valentine, Student Life director, is the club’s adviser. During last year’s presidential election, he said he was pleased with the strong presence of the College Democrats on campus.

He said he was disappointed with the lack of Republican presence, however. This year, Valentine said he wants the club to be student-run, but he intends to give them insight and direction as well.

“I hope we have a spirited debate with the College Democrats,” Valentine said.

Evan Allison, a club member, said that the first meeting went well and it produced several good ideas for the organization. He said he hopes that more members join.

Thomas Brown, a senior, was involved with the Cambria County Republican Committee last year. He volunteered to assist the campaigns of several state representative candidates during the 2008 election year.

“There’s an opportunity for the College Republicans to have a greater role in shaping the party.”