Nader protects consumer rights

One month after Ralph Nader inspired fear from Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe by announcing his candidacy for U.S. President, Nader will come to Strong Auditorium to speak on consumer advocacy.”We’re very excited about Ralph Nader’s speech this Wednesday,” Internal Chair of the Outside Speakers Committee and sophomore Dan Bromfield said. “Regardless of your views of his political campaign, he has been responsible for many positive environmental and economic reforms for the consumer. Hearing him speak on this topic should be very interesting.”Recognizing that Nader is coming to campus at an exciting time in the campaign, Chair of the Political Science Department Gerald Gamm disagrees with those predicting that Nader’s entrance into the race could swing the election in President George Bush’s favor. “[Nader] faces much greater challenges this year than in 2000, and it is likely that he will receive far fewer votes.” Gamm said. “Nader lacks the Green Party nomination this year. Also, it is likely that more voters this year than in 2000 will vote strategically. Thus they will vote for one of the two major-party candidates rather than him, out of concern that a vote for him could elect their least-preferred candidate for president.”The event is sponsored by the Outside Speakers Committee and takes place on March 24 at 9 p.m. in Strong Auditorium. Tickets are free for UR undergraduates, $3 with UR ID or other students and $5 for the general public. As of yesterday afternoon, there are approximately 150 tickets left.Schnee can be reached at cschnee@campustimes.org.