With the presidential election approaching, the OU College Republicans are excited because two Oklahoma legislators are calling for college volunteers, said Reese Nixon, secretary of College Republicans and an energy management sophomore.

The campaigns of Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla. and Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla. recently announced that they are looking for more than 350 volunteers, according to a news release by the Cole campaign.

“There is nothing more important to any campaign than a strong team of volunteers to help spread a positive message for Oklahoma’s future,” Inhofe said in an e-mail.

OU students could receive a heap of positive attention by helping out the Inhofe and Cole campaigns, Nixon said.

“We have a voice, and most of the time it’s unrepresented,” she said.

This partnership will also increase exposure for the entire Republican Party, and will help out the campaigns in the long run, Nixon said.

Both campaigns have been in touch with OU students previously, and now they are actively asking for volunteers, said Tessa Breder, chairwoman of College Republicans and geography sophomore.

“The fact that these phenomenal staffs are willing to work with students shows how dedicated they are to their campaign and the youth vote,” Breder said.

This opportunity will also increase participation among college students, which is one of the main things the McCain campaign is lacking, Nixon said.

Bridging the gap between candidates and students is also a main priority right now, and College Republicans is working to accomplish that, Nixon said.

That goal will not only help OU, but all Republicans, she said.

“I think it’s important because so many of us are concentrated in one little area,” petroleum engineering junior Barrett Zuskind said.

Both campaigns believe student involvement is significant to their campaigns, according to the news release.

Rep. Cole said OU volunteers will be a great asset to the campaigns, and he is looking forward to the help.

Sen. Inhofe said he is also ready for the help of OU College Republicans.

“I’m confident there’s one thing that will never change: people will always be the single greatest key to victory,” he said. “College students are the lifeblood of a fall campaign’s volunteer force, and I’m excited about what we’ll accomplish together in the coming months.”