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Westminster College to Welcome Karl Rove to Campus During 20th Mock Convention, Nov. 11

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Posted on Friday, September 25, 2015

Last semester, a group of students gathered together to discuss potential speakers for one of the oldest surviving collegiate conventions in the country; Westminster College’s 20th Mock Convention. “Karl Rove,” one student suggested. So, they made it happen.

At 7 p.m., November 11 in Orr Auditorium, Rove, an iconic political strategist and one of the most sought-after political pundits, will kick off Westminster College’s 2015 Mock Convention with a keynote address.

David Broder, well-remembered writer for the Washington Post, called Rove a “master political strategist whose game has always been long term...and he plays it with an intensity and attention to detail that few can match.”

Rove served as senior advisor to President George W. Bush from 2000 until 2007, “The Architect” of President Bush’s 2000 and 2004 campaigns, and the deputy chief of staff from 2004 until 2007. At the White House, he oversaw the offices of strategic initiatives, political affairs, public liaison, and intergovernmental affairs and was deputy chief of staff for policy, coordinating the White House policy-making process.

“[Rove is] …unique…no presidential appointee has ever had such a strong influence on politics and policy, and none is likely to do so again anytime soon,” said Michael Barone, author and columnist at U.S. News & World Report.                                                                                                                                                                               

With Rove’s reflections as recollections in the minds of Mock Convention attendees, on Thursday, November 12, in the afternoon, students, employees and members of the community will gather in Westminster’s Field House gymnasium, or, “the convention hall,” as students and candidates debate current political platform issues. In the evening, students will vote on candidates for President and Vice-President for the party currently out of the white house.

“No matter what political affiliation people identify with, we will all ‘play’ Republican during the 2015 Mock Convention,” said Dr. James C. Rhoads, professor of political science.

Westminster College has commemorated their Mock Convention every four years since 1936, except for the wartime year of 1944. It has proven itself as the longest-standing Westminster tradition.

For more information, and for frequent updates on the event, visit www.westminster.edu/mock or contact Rhoads at jrhoads@westminster.edu or (724) 946-7255.