The Ohio Republican Party gathered at the Hyatt Regency Ballroom in Downtown Columbus for an Election Night Rally on Tuesday. The watchful faces of Ohio State students displayed their devotion to Arizona Sen. John McCain as they hoped for a victory.

If McCain had become president, “it would have been a bright future for the United States of America,” said Derek Foley, a freshman in microbiology.

After Barack Obama’s win, Ohio State Republicans felt more than disappointment.

“I’m heartbroken and devastated,” said Carla Brammell, a senior in strategic communications and political science. “I really thought McCain was the best man for the job.”

Abigail Miner/The Lantern
Students such as Jennifer Yui wished for a conservative leader.

“We need someone with strong conservative values,” said Yui, a sophomore in chemistry. “Not all Republicans are bad.”

While many of the students expressed their strong preference to McCain based on his experience, others were more focused on McCain’s plans for our economy.

“I like McCain, first off because of his experience. I am a big fan of his economic freeze on spending, and his spending responsibility,” said Avi Zaffini, a senior in political science. The Republican students spoke highly of McCain’s stance on issues that were important to them.

Throughout the election, McCain’s Democratic opponent was criticized mostly for his lack of training, wisdom and skill for the job as president.

“I think that [Obama] is very inexperienced,” said Brammell. “He has talked more about change than what he would do to actually help us.”

Republicans are now cautiously garnering hope for their new president.

“Hopefully Obama will live up to everything he campaigned for,” Brammell said.

Abby Hooper can be reached at [email protected].