U.S. Rep. Ben Cardin wandered through the university Hillel’s annual barbecue yesterday, greeting as many fellow Jews as possible though many students were unaware of his presence.
Cardin did not have a chance to discuss politics in-depth with the large crowd of students that gathered to mingle and welcome each other back. He did, however, criticize the large debt many graduates must handle and the national tax cuts given to the wealthiest of Americans during an interview with The Diamondback.
“Too many families in America can’t afford to send their children to state colleges or universities,” he said. “And those who are graduating, the debt is way too high and that affects their career decisions.”This was Cardin’s first visit to the campus during his campaign for U.S. Senate. He visited in November to criticize the billion-dollar cuts from the Higher Education Act at a discussion at the Stamp Student Union.
Two of the potential challengers visited the campus before. Lt. Governor Michael Steele spoke to Saturday’s football game tailgaters and Democratic primary challenger Kweisi Mfume visited Plato’s Diner in May.
Both were invited to Tuesday’s event but could not attend. Steele was in College Park early Tuesday to accept the endorsement from the National Federation of Independent Businesses in a rally along Route 1.
“We invited Democrats and Republicans because it’s critical that we support democracy in America especially during a critical time in Israel,” said Ari Israel, Hillel’s director.
Cardin represents the 3rd Congressional District, an area including 80 percent of Baltimore’s Jewish population.
“[The Jewish population] has been of course my base for my political career,” Cardin said. “The community has been very involved and has given me the opportunity to serve my country.”
Though it was difficult to address the whole group, Cardin mingled with students and gladly talked to the few who recognized him.
Cardin pledged to continue voting against President George W. Bush’s tax cuts, which Cardin says impair national grant and loan programs. He also vowed to increase loan programs and Federal Pell grants.
“College education in America needs to be much more affordable,” he said. “Right now state support and federal support is becoming a smaller share, and student tuition is becoming a larger share. I want to reverse that.”
Both Steele and Mfume voiced concern about the need for increased scholarships and grant funding. However, Steele said he is “happy” with Maryland’s in-state tuition rate.
In addition to shaking politicians’ hands, 50 students registered to vote at the Student Government Association’s table, president Emma Simson said.
“As far as I know, this is the first time I’ve seen such mass political mobilization at the Hillel barbecue,” said Avi Mayer, a senior Hillel attendee and student University Senator. “At a campus where one of five students are Jewish, it’s important for Jewish groups to reach out to the community and for the community to realize their political potential.”
Freshman Jeff Lasser said Cardin’s religion was important to him as a voter, but he is still unsure who he will support in the Sept. 12 primary.
“I think the fact that he’s Jewish indicates he’d better identify with the Jewish community’s needs,” Lasser said.
However, not all of the university’s Jewish community plans to vote along religious-lines.
“Steele best represents my values,” said Rob Mislavsky, vice president of College Republicans. “You don’t have to be Jewish to represent Jewish values. My values and orthodox values fall in line with the Republican values.”
Contact reporter Ben Block at blockdbk@gmail.com.
