"I'm a stem-cell researcher. I applied to UW-Madison for graduate school next fall. If Governor Doyle doesn't get reelected, I'll seriously consider withdrawing my application from UW-Madison."

These are the words of Dan Webster, a current University of Wisconsin-Madison student, when he was asked how he was planning to vote today. Dan's view clearly explains one difference between Governor Jim Doyle and Congressman Mark Green — that the governor will support the most meaningful breakthroughs in stem-cell research at the University of Wisconsin, while Congressman Green will inhibit the innumerable advancements that this biotechnology promises us.

Today, the people of Wisconsin will also vote on a constitutional amendment to ban civil unions and gay marriage permanently in Wisconsin. Governor Doyle, Kathleen Falk and U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin have all openly opposed the amendment. On the other side of the aisle, Congressman Green, U.S. Attorney J.B. Van Hollen and Dave Magnum all support it. Wisconsin will make history when we defeat the ban, and the Democratic Party is proud to be part of that statement.

There are many issues about which I and other College Dems agree with Governor Doyle — stem-cell research at UW is just one of them. We know about Governor Doyle's desire to protect and defend UW System students. Governor Doyle has vetoed Republican-proposed cuts to both financial aid and UW funding. Looking ahead, Governor Doyle has requested that UW tuition be capped at the rate of inflation to make our tuition the most affordable in the Big Ten Conference. Congressman Green's budget declares war on the UW System, with a $100 million cut in the first two years. Unlike the Board of Regents and other top UW leaders, Congressman Green doesn't realize the importance of out-of-state students, both to the breadth of experiences that can be gleaned in college, and for the financial health of the UW System.

This year, we also found that Congressman Green voted with President Bush an astounding 92 percent of the time. Do voters really want another rubber stamp for President Bush running Wisconsin for the next four years? The facts are that this President has failed Americans, he has failed the people of Wisconsin, and he has failed students. There is no doubt that with each mistake, Congressman Green has been in lock step with the president. Congressman Green has slashed student aid, supported writing discrimination into our Constitution, and opposes a woman's right to choose.

Last week, Oliver Kiefer made a great point about the candidates you have a chance to vote for today. Governor Doyle, attorney general candidate Kathleen Falk and Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin are excellent candidates because of their strong support for student issues, their dignified characters and their determination to see Wisconsin through to a brighter day. Today is the day that can change our nation's course if we only seize the moment. We have the power to vote, we have the incentive, and we have the will. It's time that our generation took a stand and changed the course of our American Republic.

This may sound odd coming from the College Democrats' chair, but I ask you today to not vote for candidates based on party affiliation, but on who will truly represent us the best in office. Governor Doyle, Kathleen Falk and Congresswoman Baldwin care about issues that will directly affect students' lives. Governor Doyle has doubled financial aid for college students, has balanced the state's largest fiscal deficit without raising taxes, supports stem-cell research, and he will continue to lead the fight to ensure that UW is one of the finest public institutions in the United States.

Today is Election Day, and we need students to vote. The best way to ensure that politicians will stand up for student rights is to cast your vote. This sends a message that student issues are an important component of good policy. To register at the polls, you will need to provide your Wisconsin driver's license number, if you have one. If you don't have a Wisconsin driver's license, you can provide the last four digits of your Social Security number to register. You also need to provide proof of residency, which can be a copy of your lease or a utility or cell phone bill. You can find out where you vote online at http://www.uwmadisondems.org/information/map.php.

Thanks to all who will be making informed decisions at the polls today. The polls are open until 8 p.m., and I really hope you support your UW — and the leaders who want to keep it as one of Wisconsin's most valuable resources — with your vote.

Eli Lewien ([email protected]) is the chair of the College Democrats of Madison.