Former President Bill Clinton will visit Rutgers on Tuesday – the result of behind-the-scenes efforts by campus Democrats and members of Governor Jon S. Corzine’s campaign staff.
“We have been working on this for quite a while,” said Lonnie Affrime, a senior majoring in political science. “It has only been recently that we have been able to nail down all the details.”
Clinton will join a Corzine re-election rally at the College Avenue Gymnasium. The event, presented by the Rutgers University Democrats and the Roosevelt Institution, begins at 8 p.m. and is expected to pack the 1,500-person capacity facility.
Affrime, a member of the university Democrats, and a student organizer with the group Yes We Can 2.0, said the appearance was worked out with efforts by both groups in conjunction with other state Democrats.
He said there’s considerable admiration for Clinton among students. He noted some of Clinton’s post-presidency accomplishments, such as his visit to North Korea to secure the release of two American journalists.
“I think many people, especially in New Jersey and in this university are very much impressed with the policies he set forth in his presidency and a lot of what he has been able to accomplish as a private citizen working for the betterment of society,” Affrime said.
Alex Holodak, president of the university Democrats, said the event is primarily aimed at boosting Corzine but will also motivate young voters and benefit Rutgers.
“We’re trying to galvanize young voters in the state and at Rutgers,” Holodak said. “Anytime you have a president or a former president at the university, it’s exciting. It shows Rutgers and Rutgers students are seen as important.”