by Shellby Branch
Like and unlike many of you, I had no idea what I was getting into when I replied to my delegation chair’s email regarding the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature. The reason why all of us are here is because we are intrigued by politics (well, unless you think I came here to vote someone into office). The other reasons are numerous and various. Many of us are critical thinkers, excellent debaters, and good public speakers. Which is why I was so confused when I went to listen to the candidates speak on opening night.
Is the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature not made up of some of the most outstanding students from each university represented? My delegation was chartered a little over a month ago, and many delegates came as guest speakers to tell us about the organization. I heard only good things from these students. However, it seems as if there are many problems at the core of the organization. Of course, the students who came to my university did not mention any of these issues. I learned more about this organization from listening to these candidates than from other delegates.
Senator Shatwell is running for Lieutenant Governor. I had previously met Shatwell when he came as a guest to my university. He told our delegates about his platform and his plan to transform the organization. His nominator’s speeches, as well as his own, reiterated his vision for the body. He plans to use resources at his disposal to help fund the organization and create a more prestigious role for the title of Lieutenant Governor. He is a very friendly and future oriented individual. He stands out as the best of the best.
Running against Shatwell is Senator Shirey. The two are very different candidates, but both want the best for the legislature. Shirey’s speech could be considered more of a sermon than a speech for candidacy. It was with his speech that I began to question the organization. Why is he so persistent about a law regarding alcohol? Why does he feel it necessary to preach about love to a room of college students? As there been an issue with hateful delegates in the past? I understood when I began to hear the rumors about Chief Justice Maxwell, a running candidate for Governor.
The rumor goes that Maxwell and the delegation at the University of Oklahoma brought more delegates than usual in order for Maxwell to win. Maxwell addressed this concern explaining that his fraternity brothers heard of his campaign, were interested in the organization regardless of elections, and wanted to come to support him if possible. As college students that are familiar with Greek organizations, we should be understanding of this and support additional members of the organization.
Running against Maxwell is Representative Hughes. Hughes is a father, and the House claims that he is also a father figure to representatives. I did not hear anything particularly exciting or different from Hughes, but that he does have other priorities and that he would like to make the legislature one of his top.