FULLERTON, CA - Faster than John Kerry falling off his snowboard, a Republican youth movement is sweeping across the golden state. In the heart of the Left Coast, on our nation’s most liberal campuses, College Republicans have been founding chapters by the score—with over 15 new ones this year alone.

Austin Crigger, Chairman of the 60th club in the state, is a prime example of the enthusiasm that’s spread across California. Though currently a senior, Crigger co-founded the CSU Fullerton Chapter earlier this quarter.

“I was concerned that CSU Fullerton didn’t have Republican representation,” Crigger says. “More important to me than leaving a personal legacy was leaving a Republican legacy for fellow students. I just couldn’t leave here with a clear conscious if I didn’t."

It’s this kind of determination that has made California one of the premier state CR federations in the nation—and one of the largest, as estimated membership now totals over 7,000.

“The level of activity we’re seeing today is as high as it’s ever been in College Republican history,” says CCR Chairman, Michael Davidson. “We’re very excited to see this level of commitment from our hard working chapters.

But CRs don’t look ready to stop there. As the tide continues to push students across the nation to the Republican Party, College Republican membership chairs plan to carry their weight.

A key driving factor in this race for increased membership is the knowledge that every new chapter is another base of operations for the President's reelection. Whereas in 2000 the College Republicans were unable to assist in the election, this round CR's are being counted on to be the key component of the Bush grass roots plan.

“We’re really excited and optimistic about our membership base here at Fullerton,” Crigger adds. “We have no doubt we’re going to become one of the most successful—if not the most successful chapter in the state.”

Good luck, Austin. We hope the other club Chairs take that as a challenge.