A Ball State University graduate will appear on the ballot of this year's Delaware County congressional election.
Barry Welsh, a 1981 alumnus, is running against Republican Mike Pence for the 6th District spot in U.S. House of Representatives. "It's an important race because the congressional representative controls a lot of the federal budget," junior Matt Kuhnz, vice president of University Democrats, said.
Welsh discussed issues with students during the University Democrats meeting Thursday.
"It's important to discuss his views, especially since he's not as well known as Mike Pence," Kuhnz said.
One of Welsh's priorities is to support public school systems. Welsh, who was a high school teacher for four years, went to public schools for his entire education.
"I view education as the springboard of creativity, knowledge and power," Welsh said.
He believes the public school system can be strengthened, he said.
Senior Steve Nawara, president of the University Democrats, said Welsh would be a strong supporter for Ball State students. Pence recently voted in favor of cutting $12.7 billion from student loans, which is something Welsh probably would not do, Nawara said.
"I just cannot support someone who puts businesses in front of his own constituents," Nawara said.
Welsh said he is opposed to many of the decisions Pence has made during his time in Congress.
"Things are wrong," he said, "and until somebody stands up and starts talking about things being wrong, we're just gonna to let them be wrong."
Welsh also emphasized his views on the war in Iraq and the economic welfare of the people in the United States during the discussion.
University Democrats sponsored Welsh's visit because the group wanted to inform people about the candidate and his views.
"He spoke not only to student concerns, but to general concerns as well," Nawara said.
Though they may differ on several issues, Welsh said he and Pence have a lot in common. "I have a very similar background to Congressman Pence in that I'm not a professional politician," he said. "I didn't come up through the ranks of being a county commissioner and then a state legislator and then running for Congress. I'm not running because I'm a career politician."
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