When an unaffiliated political coordinator from D.C. called Studio One Cafe owner Chris Hogle last week and requested permission to hold a small political gathering in his parking lot, Hogle didn’t have the slightest idea of who he was agreeing to host. It was only hours before a bright red “Fire Pelosi” bus rolled up 19th Avenue that Hogle, a life-long progressive Democrat, learned Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele would be the guest of honor.
Steele’s quick stop in Eugene was part of a six-week tour meant to educate voters in 48 states on Republican politics and local candidates before the 2010 election.
Steele’s tour bus headed to Portland on Thursday for a rally, but took a break from the road to mingle with local media, students and resident Republicans and Democrats.
The Young Republicans, who selected the location, said the choice of venue had nothing to do with political affiliation and everything to do with proximity to campus. However, fewer than 10 students attended the event, something that Oregon Republican Party spokesperson Greg Leo said doesn’t reflect student apathy for Republican politics but is a result of today’s overscheduled students.
“I don’t know students’ schedules. They are probably in class, and frankly that is a good sense of priorities for them,” Leo said.
Steele had a more targeted message for students, reminding them that while 2010 might not be a presidential election year, whichever party gains the majority in Congress will still dictate legislation. Steele noted health care reform, student loans and rising unemployment rates as reasons for students to actively take part in this year’s electoral process.
“I want to remind students that this is not a time to sit passively and depend on how you voted in 2008 to get you by. It is critical that you stay engaged every step of the way,” he said. “My message for students is simple. In the next 28 days, pay attention.”  
University undergraduate Nathaniel Johnson stumbled upon the gathering and took the opportunity to publicly engage the GOP leader in a discussion about Johnson’s aversion to polarized politics, which he says lack substance. Johnson cited the gigantic red bus as a perfect example of why students today have trouble relating to politics.
“Stuff like that leaves a sour taste in my mouth,” Johnson said.
Steele supported the bus by stating that his job is to motivate the base and leave substantial policy changes to political hopefuls such as Republican Senate candidate Jim Huffman. Huffman attended the small rally and addressed his plans to decrease taxes, deregulate small businesses and restimulate the economy to help students pay off growing student loans.
In his audience address, Steele focused on the upcoming congressional races and citizen’s critical role in transforming Oregon from a blue state to a red one.
“Our time is coming. We’re here to fight and we’re here to win. My job is easy: I just show up on this big red bus to rally the troops. It is what you do after the bus pulls away that matters,” Steele said.
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