Reagan was the only canine that made an appearance at a Red Wave Rally.
The small French bulldog walked alongside Republican public officials Florida State Sen. Keith Perry, U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho and Florida Rep. Chuck Clemons on Turlington Plaza for a rally Tuesday afternoon. The public officials are running for reelection and came to encourage students to vote.
About 50 people attended the rally that included Chick-fil-A chicken sandwhiches for those who wore “Team Yoho” stickers.
Patrick Miller, a 20-year-old UF political science junior, organized the event to encourage students to become informed on the candidates.
“We’re trying to rally conservative students on campus and get them energized and motivated to get out and vote,” Miller said.
Perry said promoting music and the arts in education and vouching for small businesses are his priorities.
“I think that we’re doing a state and country a disservice by not allowing young people to go out and pursue their dreams,” Perry said.
Holding a rally at UF allows students to engage with politics, Yoho said.
“The privilege and the rights of voting are so important,” Yoho said. “Yet so many people don’t take advantage of them.”
Jeremy O’Brien, a 21-year-old UF political science junior, came to the rally dressed in a chicken suit.
“I’m out here to protest them and remind them that they are too chicken to stand up to corporate interests,” O’Brien said. “That’s why they are handing out Chick-fil-A.”
Contact Dana Cassidy at dcassidy@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter at @danacassidy_
Senator Keith Perry speaks to rally attendees Tuesday afternoon at the Red Wave Rally in Turlington Plaza. Perry said, “Give me a call and we’ll discuss issues.” State Rep. Chuck Clemons and Congressman Ted Yoho also attended the event to interact with students and get them to vote.
