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Sen. Young visits Greencastle for GOP event
As tensions continue to flare in the leading up to the general elections this November, both the Republican and Democratic parties are now looking to shore up support for their agendas.
Sharing his confidence as to his party’s efforts on this front, U.S. Sen. Todd Young addressed GOP supporters and community leaders during a Pastries and Politics event at 3 Fat Labs Wedding and Event Barn last Friday morning.
In his remarks, Young honed in on the upcoming elections as being most pressing at the national level. This, he suggested, is because Republican control of both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives might be a possibility.
Currently, the Republican Party holds a 53-45 majority in the Senate, with two members seated as Independents. On the other side, Democrats have a majority of 232 to 198 Republicans. With one being a Libertarian, there are also four vacant seats in the House of Representatives.
Despite his optimism, Young still cautioned that nothing can be taken for granted, even President Donald Trump’s re-election. Thus, he advocated that Republicans had to band together to maintain what he called a “firewall” in the Senate.
“I have faith in the American people; I have faith in our candidates; I feel optimistic,” Young told the gathering. “Republicans need to feel motivated. I think we’ve got a shot, and I think we’ll save the country.”
Aside from the determinism and conflict in the U.S. Congress, Young also touched on higher education. He advocated that its institutions promote a “cosmopolitan elite culture,” and that colleges and universities need a more diverse “composition” of people. In this, he implied that conservative points of view are not encouraged.
After those in attendance had a chance to mingle, the event ended to make way for a wedding ceremony. Though he was on his way, Young paused to answer two open questions from the Banner Graphic.
“Around the country, Americans are concerned about staying safe and secure,” the senator said about a focal point in Washington, D.C., affecting the micro-scale. “That’s the first order of business of our government, whether we’re talking about foreign policy or domestic policy.”
Young inferred the turmoil of nationwide protests calling for police accountability. He specifically touched on the death of 18-year-old Dorian Murrell during -- as he stated -- “what some people characterize as peaceful protests” in Indianapolis. Young said “riots in the streets” is the issue he hears most about.
“I’m also hearing about the need to elevate and respect the contributions of members of law enforcement,” Young provided as another crucial topic. “Our peace officers can’t be denigrated and must be respected. That’s the message that I want to carry to all audiences.”
Young referenced aid with regard to the economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 spread, as well as wireless connectivity, as initiatives he is focused on moving forward.
“Hopefully once we pass some more assistance for people who desperately need it to get through this pandemic, I think we need to invest in the education of all our citizens so everyone can realize their full human potential,” he said broadly. “We need to invest in the infrastructure -- especially 5G -- so that both our rural and our urban underserved areas of the country can meaningfully participate in this rapidly changing economy.”
Young’s term in the Senate is not up until 2022. He won his seat in the 2016 general election after defeating veteran senator and former Indiana governor Evan Bayh.