The College Democrats club hosted Holly Lewis Wednesday evening.  She is the wife of Kenneth Lewis, a Durham lawyer who is running for U.S. Senate this November.

“The progress we’re bringing and differences we’re making are working,” she claims. “We’re living in an exciting, dynamic time.”

She said we’re in an “incredibly meaningful time” with major health care legislation recently being passed, and the first African-American president being elected.

Holly Lewis said she has been involved in politics since she was a teenager. 

“I started working in campaigns when I was 16,” she said.

Her husband, Ken, is running for U.S. Senate under a campaign of hope and innovation. 

“Don’t ever be discouraged,” Lewis said.

According to Lewis’ Web site, he plans on reforming “No child left behind,” expand access to student loans, and push for higher quality teachers in our schools.  Health care reform is also a big part of his campaign. 

The strong Republican opposition to passing health care legislation is a sign of success, according to Lewis.

He worked as a fundraiser for Obama’s 2004 senate race and his 2008 presidential campaign, and was behind the scenes in the senate campaigns of Erskine Bowles and Harvey Gantt.  Lewis said her husbands’ on the ground experience and entrepreneurial background would make him a good candidate.

Ken Lewis announced his intentions to run for U.S. senate in early 2009. Republican Richard Burr currently holds the seat.

Lewis said her husbands’ biggest issues are with education reform, job creation, and healthcare reform. 

“We’re not really making significant moves,” H. Lewis said.

According to his Web site, Ken has been involved in numerous public service positions.  He was a member of the Board of Directors of The Center for Community Self Help, a non-profit organization that helps guide small businesses.  He was also on the Board of Directors for Action for Children, and Planned Parenthood.  His wife described him as “the kind of guy who likes to help people.”

She said the public education system has steadily been declining.  “The education my children are getting is not as good as the education I got when I was in school.”

Clay Pittman, a sophomore in political science, attended the meeting, and introduced H. Lewis. 

“I thought that Mrs. Lewis did a good job of explaining why Ken is running, and why he is a good candidate,” Pittman said. 

When talking about the future of the College Democrats, Pittman said the main issue is gathering new members.

“I think we need to focus more on growth in the future,” Pittman said. “The College Republicans are a huge organization, and that’s what our competition is.”

Pittman said the College Democrats Club meets every two weeks in room G111 in Caldwell. There is also a Facebook page under College Democrats of N.C. State University. 

“We are open to anyone who shares the ideals of the Democratic Party,” Pittman said.