Professor Nelsen considers race for governor
By: Emily Barksdale
Issue date: 3/27/09 Section: News
Nelsen discussed the current pattern of new voters registering as Democrats.
"In large part, 'The Obama Factor' influenced those voters to move in that direction," he said.
He is, however, inspired by the incredible work that the Obama campaign did to gain both the youth and minority vote.
"[The traditionally Republican base is]...a shrinking population; the country and the state are becoming more diverse," Nelsen said. "Parties have to adjust to present realities."
Nelsen began considering the race for governor last summer, discussed it with his family over Christmas break. After they vowed to be supportive, people started generously volunteering to help with his campaign.
"Furman students are huge in this campaign," Nelsen said, citing campaign manager Taylor Hall. Treasurer Tom Smythe, a Business and Accounting professor, has been another integral contributor, he says.
"Furman people scattered across the state and even the country are my best resource," said Nelsen.
So, is all of this excitement only a prelude to Furman's first President of the United States? "I'm the kind of guy who takes things one step at a time," Nelsen said. "I'm looking to get elected to this office."
"In large part, 'The Obama Factor' influenced those voters to move in that direction," he said.
He is, however, inspired by the incredible work that the Obama campaign did to gain both the youth and minority vote.
"[The traditionally Republican base is]...a shrinking population; the country and the state are becoming more diverse," Nelsen said. "Parties have to adjust to present realities."
Nelsen began considering the race for governor last summer, discussed it with his family over Christmas break. After they vowed to be supportive, people started generously volunteering to help with his campaign.
"Furman students are huge in this campaign," Nelsen said, citing campaign manager Taylor Hall. Treasurer Tom Smythe, a Business and Accounting professor, has been another integral contributor, he says.
"Furman people scattered across the state and even the country are my best resource," said Nelsen.
So, is all of this excitement only a prelude to Furman's first President of the United States? "I'm the kind of guy who takes things one step at a time," Nelsen said. "I'm looking to get elected to this office."