Strongest College Republican Chapter in Oregon Leaves the Federation

Corvallis, Oregon—The Oregon State University College Republicans chose to leave the Oregon Federation of College Republicans (OFCR) and have become an independent College Republican Chapter. The Oregon State University College Republicans decided to leave the federation due to leadership failures, corruption within the organization, and lack of financial oversight. [Added 4/8/2015: These allegations are disputed by the Oregon Federation of College Republicans.]

The OFCR executive board, led by the chair, continues to hold secret meetings, fails to send out information in the required time, and doesn’t include all chapters in their decisions. This shows a disregard for the OFCR Constitution and respect for the chapters in the Federation.

OFCR Chair, Caleb Huegel has repeatedly used his position to advocate for Senate Candidate Jason Conger, which explicitly violates the OFCR Constitution. In October he used his position send out information on only one candidate, Jason Conger. He used OFCR funds for himself and other Conger interns to travel to Dorchester. While people should be able to freely support the candidate of their choice they should not use their position to advance a candidate if the rules specifically bar it.

The Oregon Federation of College Republicans has not had a positive income for the last four years. When Caleb Huegel became chair, the Federation had over $6023 and currently it has only $1634. They have spent over $4000 while only bringing in $659. Some of the major expenses include $800 for Chairman’s personal Travel, $618 for a house party at Dorchester, and $316 Fines with the Secretary of State. The donations that the Federation receives rarely trickle down to the Chapters or assisting candidates, but instead go to perks for the executives.

The OSU College Republicans are the largest most active chapter in the state with over 5% of the campus (of 27,000) identifying as a College Republican. We have accomplished a lot with our many activities, forums and candidate events on campus. Our chapter is the strongest financially, bringing in over $17,000 (over 26 times what the Federation made) this year. There is not a doubt that our chapter will thrive without the hindrances of the OFCR and will continue to work to turn Oregon red this November by contributing on several campaigns.

For more information on the OSU College Republicans, please visit the website, http://osugop.com/, or contact Donald Handeland, OSU College Republicans President, at president@osugop.com