By Jason De Leon
Record-Courier staff writer
Sherrod Brown brought some Hollywood star power to Kent State University Saturday as he sought student support for his bid for the U.S. Senate.
Students pushed their way through the Kiva Auditorium at the Kent Student Center in an effort to catch a glimpse of actors Luke Perry and Adam Brody, who shared the stage with Brown.
The actors were joining the Democratic congressman on a four-day campus tour of Ohio in his campaign to unseat U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine.
During his remarks to the students, which focused on tuition costs for higher education in Ohio, Brown paid tribute to KSU for its activism.
Activism on this campus is the tradition you come from, Brown said. That is your heritage and why you can change this country.
Perry, a Massilon native and star of the 1990s hit Fox television series, Beverly Hills 90210, said he was delivered by Browns father, Dr. Charles Brown. He and Brown shared stories of growing up in Ohio.
This election is important to me, Perry said. Ohio needs to become the leader in alternative fuels. Too many Ohioans have gone off to war and died. We need to bring our troops back and have them work towards rebuilding Ohio. That is why we need to support him.
I fear this government, Perry said. It is important to make a change. We need to get Congress back to the Democrats or else every last effort will go towards oil, the war and higher tuition.
Brody, a star of the Fox series, The O.C., urged students to vote in the upcoming election.
You are no longer the future, you are the present, he told students.
Following Browns speech, students lined the aisles attempting to meet face to face with Perry and Brody.
Joining Brown were U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan and State Sen. Marc Dann, Democratic nominee for Ohio attorney general. Also appearing was Browns wife, Connie Schultz, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for The Cleveland Plain Dealer and a1979 KSU graduate.
The event, sponsored by Black United Students, KSU-NAACP and the College Democrats at KSU, gave students and faculty the opportunity to witness the effects of a candidate touring with entertainers.
Although the Kiva was filled with KSU students and faculty, a portion of the crowd could be seen leaving following Perry and Brodys initial departure from the speakers podium.
During Browns speech he focused on higher tuition costs for the middle class.
Ohios government has sided with the wealthy, Brown said. That is why we need a new direction.
Tiffany Peters, a KSU third-year premedicine major, agreed.
It is very difficult for the middle class to go to school, Peters said. There is no in-between. Higher education funding should be for everybody.
The elections presence on campus will heat up in the weeks to come. That excites student Jessica Naples, a KSU second-year photo illustration.
It is good to have something on campus, Naples said. It was such a great turnout. I liked what (Perry) said about bringing energy home. (Ohio politicians) need to worry about what is at home.