Watching politics can be hard for anyone, especially with the modern age provoking many to avoid politics and news altogether. Yet around 50 people gathered to do just that with the Northern Michigan College Democrats for their Campaign Kickoff Dinner on Wednesday, Jan. 24.

“We were shooting for 30 max, including students, and we are just blessed to have this many,” club President Alec LaPlante said

The event was hosted at the Northern Center, where participants had a watch party for Gov. Whitmer’s State of the State Address.

“I think she is a great leader, one of our best,” LaPlante said.

He also explained how proud he was to have a strong female leader head his home state.

Whitmer covered a wide range of future goals in her address, from balancing budgets and relying more on clean energy to creating jobs and saving the average Michigander more money by lowering living costs. She also went over the past accomplishments she has reached and thanked her team for their support.

NMU College Democrats hosted the event free of charge for all students and community members regardless of political alignment. They also provided free pizza and beverages.

LaPlante would like to thank the students and his group for helping pull off this event.

“It takes a village. I’m backed by the student base,” he said. “It’s not just me, it’s the whole group.”

Those interested in joining similar events or the NMU College Democrats can find them on the Hub.