On a big night for Republicans nationally, the view from Ball State was a mixture of celebration, sadness and caution.
Mike Thomas, a senior entrepreneurship major and College Republicans technology chairman, said he expected an improved economy — including more jobs in Indiana — under Republican leadership in Congress.
"We will hopefully see more job growth and continue on with a balanced budget," he said. "I think at least for the next two years were going to get an environment more favorable to businesses, which means more jobs and lower taxes for graduates."
Professor Joseph Losco, chairman of the Department of Political Science, predicted that President Barack Obama will try to be conciliatory and work with Republicans.
"The question is, will the Republicans be equally ready to deal," Losco said. "Clearly the American people need things done since the economy is hurting. Lots of people are hurting."
A worsening economy appeared to fuel voter frustration with Obama and the Democrats in general, Losco said.
"They are fearful. They don't know what is going to come next, and they are angry as a result," he said of voters.
Losco said he doubted that the Republican takeover of Congress would have an immediate effect.
"The economy is going to limp along for quite some time with very marginal changes here and there," he said. "You'll see things like a reduction in taxes for businesses. You may see a freeze in taxes for a couple of years. The Bush tax cuts may be renewed for a couple years, because this is not the time to increase taxes. But the economy is not going to get better by that alone."
For Ball State and other schools, Losco said it will mean continued challenges — more students, but less government support.
"There will be pressure on universities to keep costs down, but universities don't do that well," Losco said. "Costs will continue to go up. Clearly there will be less money from the state and tuition will go up."
Among Democrats swept from office was state Sen. Sue Errington of Muncie. Errington was considered a friend of Ball State in the Indiana Legislature.
"I thought Sue did a good job. Why voters didn't vote for her, I don't know," said Steve Craycraft, a Democrat and the Delaware County clerk. "We'll just have to rely on Dennis Tyler to bring money to Ball State and Delaware County."
Brad Gideon, instructor of political science, said students — many of whom sat out Tuesday's midterms — will likely take a strong interest in the 2012 presidential election.
"I don't know that we'll have anyone announce tomorrow that they are running, but it wouldn't shock me," he said.
Gideon said students stayed home Tuesday because candidates failed to persuade them to come out and vote.
"I don't think that the Democrats and the president in general have done a good job at communicating the successes that they did have," he said. "From an independent perspective [I would say], ‘Why should I vote for you if you don't care about what you've done?'"
QUAD TALK:
"Yes I did, because my dad always told me that you can't complain about the government if you don't vote."
Karissa Myers, freshman exercise science pre-physical therapy major
"I didn't sign up or anything,"
Michael Zaberdac, freshman meteorology major
"No I didn't, because I'm not registered around here,"
Deserae Kirchhofer, sophomore dietetics major
"I just don't get into politics, and I think that being an uninformed voter is worse than a non-voter,"
Patrick Alyea, junior communications studies major
"I didn't get signed up for absentee ballot in time and scheduling today did not work. I'd have to drive back home."
Rusty Lumpkin, senior secondary education chemistry and physics major
"I forgot to register or else I totally would have,"
Alex Smith, sophomore hospitality major
"I always vote, and I feel like if you don't, you are kind of taking advantage of something. You're kind of throwing away an opportunity,"
Noah Bonnell, junior telecommunications production major.
"Yes. It just seemed like something that is important that I don't pass up,"
Courtney Richardson, junior criminal justice major
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