Rob Nielsen in the Volante (University of South Dakota student voice) [excerpt]:

Two years ago, the College Libertarians formed. Last year the now disbanded Students Against the State organized.

And just this semester, the College Socialist have thrown their hat into the ring as well.

Richardson said the trend is part of a broader change in the political landscape of America linked to a disaffection with the two mainstream parties and the voting public’s tendency to lean Independent.

“I think you’re seeing it reflected on campus where students gravitate towards groups they think may best represent their interests,” Richardson said, referring to the nearly 40 percent of voters either registering, or claiming to be, Independent.

Junior Thomas Emanuel, co-founder of the USD Socialists, said the shift from major parties is due to the mainstream parties inabilities to reach out to people.

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