INDEX
THE GREAT AMERICAN DISTILLER’S FESTIVAL
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
GARYN SCHLATTER Going courtside with country-loving volleyballer Garyn Schlatter
Get more than a buzz at this year’s event
SPORTS: PAGE 13
ARTS: PAGE 12
NEWS OPINION ARTS SPORTS
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FR IDAY, OCTOBER 22ND, 20 1 0
VO L. 65 NO. 15
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OBAMA IN PORTLAND FOR POLITICAL RALLY
Elections forum sheds light on national, local issues Political science professors cover party trends, voter turnout, measures
President likens Kitzhaber’s gubernatorial campaign to his 2008 presidential run
ALISON BARNWELL VANGUARD STAFF
VINH TRAN VANGUARD STAFF
P
This past Tuesday, Portland State’s political science department hosted an event called “Making Sense of the Midterm Election Muddle.” The forum aimed to reach students who know little about specific measures and issues that are important in the November elections. Four PSU faculty members presented their thoughts and research on topics ranging from local to national politics.
resident Barrak Obama visited the Portland Convention Center on Wednesday night to lend his support to former governor John Kitzhaber, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate. The event marked Obama’s first stop on a four-day West Coast
campaign trail. A crowd of more than 8,500 people gathered at the Center to rally behind Kitzhaber, who is running against Republican candidate Chris Dudley. By 4 p.m., long lines had already formed, and the Portland Police Bureau was on hand to They said you block off traffic on can’t overcome Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. the special A group of about 100 Tea Party protesinterest…the tors with signs stood big money, but across the street from the crowd of Kitzhain two weeks, ber supporters, but you have the were drowned out by the noise. chance to say “Now, I’d like to ‘yes we can.’” believe that all of you showed up this Barrak Obama evening to chat with me,” Kitzhaber said to cheers and laughter. “But I’m pretty sure that you’re here, like I am, to meet [the president].” Kitzhaber wore his signature blue jeans, a suit jacket and boots. At the rally, Kitzhaber took a cue from the commander-in-chief ’s successful campaign in 2008, telling voters that this election is about reaffirming the change they voted on two years ago. In his speech, Kitzhaber summarized some of the key campaign issues he stands for, which include pro-
ELECTION ON PAGE 7
Organizations promoting higher ed. receive $607,000 in grants VINH TRAN/VANGUARD STAFF
The White House visits Portland: President Obama rallied Oregonians at the Convention Center on Wednesday to vote for Kitzhaber.
tecting the environment, female reproductive rights and fighting against special interests. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, as well as Representatives David Wu and Earl Blumenauer, shared the stage with Kitzhaber prior to the president’s speech. “I’m very proud that [the president] is here in Oregon to support our effort,” Kitzhaber said, before introducing Obama to loud applause.
Obama energized the crowd and officially took Kitzhaber under his wing. In his speech, he likened Kitzhaber’s campaign to his own 2008 presidential run. “They said you can’t overcome the special interest… the big money,” Obama said. “But in two weeks, you have the chance to say ‘yes we can.’” Humor was a component in Obama’s speech; he
OBAMA
ON PAGE 7
Ape Caves excursion satisfies the most adventurous of explorers Outdoor Program puts students in touch with natural history STEPHEN LISLE VANGUARD STAFF
M AUGUST MILLER/VANGUARD STAFF
Subterranean: Students go underground at Ape Caves.
Oregon aims to prepare young students for college
ore than 2,000 years of history and over 13,000 feet of lava tubes exist in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest near the base of Mt. St. Helens for all to explore. Last Sunday, a group of
Portland State students explored the dark confines of the tubes for respite and a first-hand lesson in geology and natural history. Students were led through the subterranean tubes known as the Ape Caves by Campus Rec’s Outdoor Program, one of the oldest university-sponsored outdoor recreation programs in the nation. The caves provide adventureseekers an opportunity to hike through the longest lava tubes in the continental U.S. and the third-longest in North America, and the Outdoor Program gives students the chance to discover
such attractions. PSU’s Outdoor Program has a tradition of providing students with chances to visit Oregon’s most interesting terrain. Next year marks the 45th year of operation for the program, and they are running stronger than ever. Trips are already available to students through the end of November, with another trip to the Ape Caves scheduled for Oct. 31. Trip leader Briana UherekCummins said trips such as the Ape Caves excursion can help
CAVES ON PAGE 15
KATRINA PETROVICH VANGUARD STAFF
The College Access Grant Program (CACGP) has allocated $607,000 in federal grant money to 12 Oregon education programs. The goal of the grant money—which was part of a $1.5 million fund given to Oregon by the U.S. Department of Education in August—is to increase the number of K–12 students being prepared for entering and completing college. Over $3 million in requests from 60 organizations around the state vied for the federal grant money, but only 12 programs were chosen. The CACGP selected each institution based on a set of criteria, including demonstration for need, organizational capacity, sustainability for future generations and geographic diversity. The chosen organizations have created specific educational programs designed to help different demographics of Oregon students attend post-secondary education, said CACGP Director Stephanie
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