Breakfast with Sean Hannity and Rick Santorum

Last Saturday, the Seton Hill College Republicans were invited to a fundraiser/breakfast event in Johnstown. The purpose of the event was to raise money and sign up volunteers for Rick Santorum's 2006 re-election campaign. To help that along a bit, the Senator brought with him FOX News commentator, and the second most popular talk-radio host in the country: Sean Hannity. Eight of the SHU chapter of College Republicans were able to attend, and we were met with a warm welcome from the state committee and Rick Santorum.

The event consisted of breakfast, followed by speeches from Eileen Melvin, the chairman of the Pennsylvania Republican Committee; local congressmen; Paul Gourley, the chairman of the National College Republicans; Senator Rick Santorum; and finally Sean Hannity.

Gourley, who had spoken to our group briefly during the breakfast, called us "Seton Hall" during his speech. Of course, our club members weren't very happy about that (it's a mistake that happens to Seton Hill quite often, actually)... but we felt better when Santorum told us personally afterwards that he knew Gourley meant "Seton Hill." Paul Gourley is up for re-election in 2007.

We were also able to shake hands and speak briefly to Sean Hannity before he left for Pittsburgh. Hannity was stopping in Pittsburgh later that afternoon as part of his national Hannity 2006 tour. Three of the SHU CR's were invited to the event to work at the Santorum campaign booth. The Pittsburgh event featured local talk show hosts Quinn and Rose, as well as Lynn Swann and Rick Santorum.

Thanks to all members of the club who were able to attend the two Hannity events last Saturday.

[Edited 3/5/06: Fixed the clerical error about when Paul Gourley was up for re-election.]