By Nathaniel Aftel (#0084)

It was a night of drama at the first convention for the Federalist Party on Saturday. Despite this, progress was made: William Drewes from Wong County was elected Party Chairman. This position is very important as Drewes will be in charge of the Federalist Party’s course of action. The race started off with a candidate from each county.

Many of the candidates gave fiery, enthusiastic and energetic speeches, making for a loud and dramatic atmosphere. The race was so close that there had to be a run-off election between the candidate from Fish County and William Drewes. Drewes ended up prevailing with over 141 votes to hit the majority.

“I decided I would step up”

Drewes did not even think he would be giving a speech in front of hundreds of Boys State citizens to become Party Chairman. But, when no one in his city wanted to run for chairman, Drewes stepped up. Afterwards, he was chosen to run for the Federalist Party Chairman position. 

“When they called out city chairman, no one wanted to do it and I decided I would step up,” Drewes said. 

Drewes believes that better programs and initiatives for citizens will be the main factor in the Federalists prevailing in the elections. The issues he believes are most important for students at Boys State are raising the minimum wage and eliminating tip pools. Drewes stated that he wants student workers to keep all the tips they receive and make as much money as they can.

He also would like to focus on young drivers. Drewes wants to raise the amount of people that can be in a car with a driver who only has their learner’s permit. Drewes mainly focused on the “future of America” in his speeches and these issues will undoubtedly affect this country in the long term. 

“We will definitely put on a great fight against the Nationalists”

Drewes is very confident that the Federalists will ultimately prevail. 

“After seeing the energy here tonight, I think we will definitely put on a great fight against the Nationalists,” Drewes said. 

Party Clerk and Judges of Court of Appeals Have Been Selected

Also during the convention on Saturday were the elections of the Party Clerk and the Judges of Court of Appeals. Christopher Williams from McKneally County received a whopping 167 votes to achieve the victory of Party Clerk with the slogan, “bigger is better.” Seven Judges of Court of Appeals were also selected that night.