The members of the Young Republicans Network (YRN) of Montgomery County admit that it’s not always easy being a Republican in a solid blue state.  I caught up with the group during a watch party that they held for John McCain’s acceptance speech at the BlackFinn Restaurant in Bethesda, Md.  It was difficult to conduct interviews with members without being interrupted by various Barack Obama supporters who wanted to make it known that this is Obama’s turf.  But despite the disruptions, the members of YRN stayed focused on their message about their support for McCain, an underdog here in Maryland.

President of the local chapter, Moshe Starkman, 30, is tired of hearing the comparisons of McCain to President Bush.  “Bush, Bush, Bush… Let’s get over it guys, if anything, John McCain and George W. Bush are political opposites within the Republican Party,” he said. 

Starkman, who harbors his own political ambitions, says he studies Obama’s speaking techniques and has considered supporting him as a candidate.  “When Barack Obama first came to the stage and began to challenge Hillary Clinton, I took a look at him and said, ‘There’s a guy who’s different, he’s articulate, he’s good looking.  He’s a guy who will bring pride to the position of President of the United States of America.’  However, once I began to look at his policy, how he treated people when the camera was off, how he addressed the issues facing America, I began to think, ‘Maybe Barack Obama is the wrong guy,’” he said.

Starkman likens Obama to a ‘Hollywood actor’ and says that he’s drawn to McCain because he is the exact opposite of a ‘flashy’ candidate. 

While the McCain/Palin ticket might not win over enough Marylanders to win this state, YRN members are excited about their chances in November.   Despite some initial skepticism, they’re energized by the new addition of Governor Sarah Palin.  Mike Gibble, 29, thought that her acceptance speech did a lot to win over party support. 

“She said what she needed to say.  She had a little bit of vinegar in her veins that the Republicans needed to hear.  She represents the base of the party.  She represents the ideals of the majority of Americans, very family based, very individualistic.  She’s all about family and country and that’s what everybody’s here for,” he said. 

Several members said that regardless of political affiliation, being educated about the candidates is the most important thing that anyone can do.  Courtney Dunbar Jones, 30, who names McCain’s pro-life stance as one of her top reasons for supporting him, stressed the value of being educated about the issues, saying, “You have to vote with your heart and your gut so no one can tell you how to vote.  I think everyone should be informed, so go to the web sites.   Go to the Obama web site, go the McCain web site, study the policy positions.  Get a sense of what people really stand for.  It’s important to be informed.”

You can learn more about the Young Republican Network at http://www.yrnetwork.com.