State Rep. Kurt Kelly spoke at UF Tuesday night about conservative politics and issues ranging from Obama's stimulus package to global warming.
Fifteen students attended the event, which was hosted by UF's Network for Enlightened Women.
Kelly, who was named Freshman Legislator of the Year, spoke to the largely female crowd about the importance of today's generation getting involved in political decision-making sooner rather than later.
"I apologize to your generation from mine," Kelly said. "We are the baby boomers, the self-indulged. This burden is going to be handed down to your generation."
The Ocala native also spoke about the lack of rising leaders in conservative politics, an absence of a clear party direction, a lack of enthusiasm and a poor articulation of values, all of which would likely cost the Republican Party the next presidential race, he said.
Kelly said that one of the main problems today is that Republicans are not changing with the technology and different media of communication.
"If we have to go to digital format or make Facebook groups, we will," he said. "We can't afford to lose the next generation."
Rachel Kopec, president of NEW, contacted Kelly about speaking at UF because she said she thought members of her organization and other students would be interested in hearing how things have changed in politics since the recent presidential election. When she asked him, Kelly offered to speak for free.
"He's a breath of fresh air for the Hill in Tallahassee," Kopec said.
