Where were you born and raised?
Lt. Governor Andre Bauer: I was born in Charleston, S.C. and was raised in Irmo, S.C. I was 26-years-old when I entered politics, and I ran for office in the House of Representatives.
State Senator Jake Knotts: I was born and raised in Lexington/Richland County. Went to every grammar, middle and high school in Columbia but Lower Richland.
Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh E. Weathers: I was born and raised in the town of Bowman, Orangeburg County. I got involved in politics five years ago.
In what ways could college students help out in the 2010 elections?
Bauer: Find a candidate that shares their ideas and issues, and get involved in their campaign. Diligence in a politician is important. I worked my way up without any political background.
Knotts: I would try to find a local candidate that you can believe in, that you would like, and that you would like to help out. If you want to change America, get involved in your local communities. If you help someone in your local communities get elected, after that election, you will mean something to that elected official. If you help he/she get elected, then he/she helps you. Get involved in the House races, and help your local candidates.
Weathers: Make sure that the candidates know they have an active party or club on campus. Show them that you want their attention enough for them to see you individually, and let it be known that you are active.
What are your thoughts on the elections for the Republican Party?
Bauer: Party politics run in cycles. The Republicans are benefitting right now. Healthcare issues have affected the outcome of the elections. That’s why our system is healthy because it basically keeps the party in check, while the other party is discounted.
Knotts: The people in those areas elected who they want to go serve. It’s not up to us to tell them who to represent them. We put too much emphasis on Republican and Democrat. The voters out there are independent minded. The reason our party is so successful is because we put up the better conservative candidates. You can be conservative without being too far to the right, and the same goes with being Democrat. It’s the middle of the road approach. Politics is about working with people; it’s about compromise.
What bowl games would you like to see both Clemson and USC attend?
Bauer: I’ve always enjoyed going to see Clemson at the Peach Bowl in recent years. I’d like to see USC in the Gator Bowl or any bowl in the South for that matter. I also liked the Music City Bowl vs. Kentucky.
Knotts: I’d like to see the Orange Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Carolina Liberty Bowl. Our bowl game is Saturday Nov. 28, the Palmetto Bowl.
Weathers: I think Clemson will win its division, and that they will play in Tampa. Carolina will probably make it to a second-tier bowl.
Will you be attending the Clemson-USC game this year?
Bauer: I will be attending.
Knotts: I’ll be there. I have tickets. I don’t miss ‘em.
Weathers: Shoot yeah, I’ll go. I’ve probably made 90 percent of the games since I was 10 years old.
Any last words for the Clemson University student body?
Bauer: Young people are less and less engaged in politics. Therefore, their issues are not as addressed as the seniors because they not active. I would like to see a lot of people, especially young people, involved in the political process because it affects them substantially.
Knotts: Tigers are gonna really learn what chicken tastes like. And if I had my say, I’d tell the Clemson band to play the 2001 song every chance they get because that’s the chicken curse song. And I’d tell Spurrier to make five points off limits for the next two weeks for the football players.
Weathers: I pull for Clemson as much as Clemson fans pull for USC when they’re not playing Clemson. I’m glad to see Clemson doing well. I like to see athletes like C.J. Spiller excel, because not too many states have two viable candidates for college football.
