Harvard Republicans Elect New Leaders

The Harvard Republican Club (HRC) voted in its top leaders for 2004 Wednesday night, exactly one week after the Harvard College Democrats held elections.

Mark T. Silvestri ’05, whose plan for “outreach through education” highlighted his campaign, was elected HRC president at the end of a two-hour meeting in Sever Hall.

Elections for student political positions were as crucial as ever this fall, as campus political leaders will try to make their party’s voice heard during a presidential election year. Silvestri will serve as HRC president until December 2004.

“I think it will be a great year to be a Republican,” he said.

The first part of Silvestri’s two-pronged platform focuses on campaigning for President Bush and Republican political leaders in Massachusetts. He said HRC will focus on helping Mass. Gov. W. Mitt Romney retain his veto power over the state legislature—something that would require a successful election campaign by Republicans.

The second part of Silvestri’s platform is geared toward getting more students on campus involved in HRC events—what he called “outreach through education.” He said he hopes the group will sponsor more on-campus events and speakers so it can spread an “awareness of conservatism.”

Silvestri defeated Eric R. Trager ’05 after nearly two hours of speeches and question-and-answer sessions by candidates for the HRC board. Michael Alperovich ’04, outgoing vice president, said he was pleased by the results.

“I think he’s going to make a fine president,” Alperovich said of Silvestri, calling him a “very dedicated conservative.”

Jeffrey P. Clemens ’05 was elected vice president, defeating Stephanie N. Kendall ’05, who was later elected HRC membership director.