Ball State's College Republicans hosted Luke Messer, the Republican U.S. Congressional candidate for Indiana's 6th district on Tuesday night in the Arts and Journalism Building Room 289.
Speaking to a group of students, Messer wasted no time emphasizing the significance of the recent violent protests and uprisings in the Middle East. Before addressing the issues facing our country and his upcoming bout with Democratic candidate Brad Bookout, Messer warned that the "events that are happening in the Middle East today are a very, very, very, big deal".
"Everyone in our country needs to understand the urgency of the circumstances there," Messer said.
Messer, who lives in Shelbyville, Ind. is currently the Executive Director of Hoosiers for Economic Growth, a nonprofit group that focuses on electing state policy leaders who support a positive education reform agenda in Indiana.
He also has had experience as a state legislator while serving on a sub-committee counsel dealing with energy, resources and regulatory affairs.
Messer also touted his accomplishments within the Hoosier state.
"We have shown Indiana a model of conservative government that works," Messer said.
The congressional hopeful transitioned to discussing President Obama's policies and some of the more pressing issues facing our country.
Messer criticized the commander-in-chief for "doing anything but uniting our country".
He highlighted the importance of the upcoming election cycle mentioning that America "stands at a crossroads".
Messer spoke on a variety of subjects such as the budget, healthcare and restoring our strong ties with Israel in a discussion-like atmosphere with Ball State students.
Afterward, Messer stayed positive about his campaign.
"They are taking nothing for granted with seven weeks remaining," Messer said.
He also said he is "excited about the energy and enthusiasm throughout the nineteen counties of our district".
Drew Farrington, President of University Democrats, seemed to think otherwise.
He said that Messer is taking Hoosier politics too far to the right.
Farrington also said that they would just have to see what happens on Election Day.
University Democrats are firmly behind the Democratic nominee for the congressional seat, Brad Bookout, a Muncie native.
Kayleigh Mohler, Chairman of College Republicans was pleased with Messer and the message he delivered.
"He had lots of good answers to a wide variety of questions," Mohler said.
The two political organizations are collaborating on a debate that will feature both candidates Oct. 2 at Pruis Hall.
Both are working on their party's candidate campaigns through phone banking, attending rallies and raising awareness around campus.
Messer ended by talking about Ball State and how the university is a significant landmark in his district.
"This campus is such an amazing asset for the nineteen counties that I will represent in Congress. I hope to be very active here and I definitely want to come back," he said.
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