For the first time since 1964, Virginia looks as though it may cross party lines. Recent polls show Virginia a statistical dead heat between Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain.
"We're absolutely seeing more involvement than usual," Crowder said, "We have such a level of excitement and new involvement with the College Republicans; you have people from political junkies to complete rookies who don't know much but want to know more about Republican and conservative ideas.
Crowder, who was elected chair of the VT College Republicans in April, said he got involved because of his love for his country and for politics.
"I have a passion for politics. I have a passion to see college-age people get involved. The college age bracket is always taken for granted as voting Democrat, if they vote at all," Crowder said.
Crowder said his biggest surprise was the level of women's involvement in the campaign.
"What's exciting is a large turnout from women on campus," Crowder said, "I've seen while talking with the college-age female population (and) they're very excited to see Sarah Palin on the ticket."
Crowder said he felt this worked for the College Republicans.
"I'd say our membership is 60 percent women and they're very involved and very excited," Crowder said. "I think part of that has to do with the nomination of Sarah Palin, but even prior to that we were seeing a lot of women involved and then (Palin's nomination) just emphasized it."
Crowder said he saw enthusiasm and interest higher across the political spectrum as a result of the upcoming elections.
"I think the excitement level is high overall. We cosponsored the Rock the Vote bus with the Young Democrats. We've had an agreeable relationship with them," Crowder said.
Rock the Vote is an organization that tries to get students and young voters involved in the political process and registered to vote.
"The thing we do agree on is that we want young people more involved in politics, we want people to register no matter how they plan to vote. We want to help them get their ducks in a row so they can vote. For many of them this is the first general election where they can vote," Crowder said.
Crowder characterized the new interest among students as not automatically benefitting the traditional Democratic voting block associated with high youth vote turnout.
"We're seeing a real turnaround; we're not seeing mind-numb college students that are just going to vote one way because that's how they've been influenced by their peers," Crowder said.
Crowder said he felt confident the College Republicans could turn this opportunity into a Republican victory this November.
"Every year we're told, 'this time it really matters' but this time it really does. You couldn't have two people running that are more dissimilar," Crowder said, "We have a strong group at the College Republicans who are very politically savvy. They realize the importance of this election."
You might be interested in...- Column: Terry McAuliffe brings energy to Virginia race
- Letter: Our foreign policy affects rest of the world
- Column: We must protect the ideals on which this country was founded
