RNC Chair Visits Historically Black College

The chair of the Republican National Committee traveled to the battleground state of Ohio on Wednesday, but he made what some might call an unusual visit. Reince Priebus was the lunchtime guest of a small group officially launching a chapter of the College Republicans at Central State University, a historically black college near Dayton. “Having bipartisanship on campus and giving our students options is really important. And that’s why I commend what you’re doing too, with the College Republicans," Priebus told the group. African-Americans and college students are traditional Democratic demos. Ohio Democratic Party chair Chris Redfern called Priebus’ visit a photo-op and said it was a chance to talk about Republican-backed efforts to change voting laws. “I’m surprised that the party of Lincoln has all but ignored African-Americans, young people, women, and the issues that are important not just to those Ohioans but all Ohioans," Redfern said. Priebus says Republican organizations have been forming at other historically black colleges and universities across the country.