Ron Paul Visit a Success for Sioux City Student

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Andrew Baker introduces congressman and Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul during his visit to Bethel University (St. Paul, Minn.) on Saturday, February 4, 2012.

SAINT PAUL, MN (02/08/2012)(readMedia)-- Thanks to the work of Bethel University senior Andrew Baker of Sioux City, Iowa, congressman and Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul spoke to a standing room only crowd at Bethel on Saturday evening, February 4. The event attracted students and Paul supporters in addition to local and national media with live streaming on CNN.

Paul, who spoke earlier on Saturday in Chanhassen, Minn., arrived on Bethel's campus around 4:30 p.m. to a growing crowd that had already filled most of the campus parking spots. Doors opened at 4:45 p.m. and soon after 5 p.m., the 1,600-seat Benson Great Hall was at full capacity.

Several hundred hopeful event-goers were turned away by campus security and local traffic control officers, who reminded the Paul supporters of his next Twin Cities appearance on Monday at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

It was a successful event for Baker, who is president of the Bethel chapter of College Republicans who hosted the event. "We were expecting 800-1,000, but when they were turning away people it was amazing," said Baker.

It was more than just an education in Paul's politics. According to Baker, "I learned how much work it takes to make an event like this successful, how many people are involved, and how great those people are at their jobs. I also learned about how contracts work and the responsibilities of the club and the campaign."

Still in shock at the success of their event, Baker added, "I'll remember this night for the rest of my life."

Bethel University is a leader in Christ-centered higher education with approximately 6,600 students from 48 states and 25 countries enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, seminary, and adult education programs. Based in St. Paul, Minn., with additional seminary locations on both coasts, Bethel offers rigorous bachelor's and advanced degrees in nearly 100 relevant fields. For further information on Bethel University, go to www.bethel.edu.