The Young Democrats of America have released the following statement on the GOP Primaries held this evening in Alabama and Mississippi, as well as the Hawaii Caucus:

While the GOP Primary Circus continues to entertain political spectators, the policies advocated by the leading candidates for the Republican Presidential nomination are no laughing matter for the young men and women who are proud to call the South home.

“Whether it is Romney and his desire to fire not hire, Santorum with his belief that desiring educational opportunities equates to snobbery, or Gingrich who personifies fidelity only to hypocrisy, these candidates have come to the south to win a nomination, not offer a vision for leading America”, said YDA Executive Vice President Colmon Elridge, of Kentucky. “For too long the south has been bruised by politicians who advocate policies that leave us behind in terms of access to quality health-care, jobs, housing, and education. These candidates have figured out how to appeal to our fears, but know nothing of our aspirations, or the faith by which we work to make a better life for the future of our families and our communities”.

“While several GOP candidates have taken a sudden interest in Mississippi, none of them are offering a plan to help the poorest state in the nation”, said Young Democrats of Mississippi President Kate Jacobson. “We have one of the highest percentages of individuals with no health care coverage, one of the highest levels of assistance from the government in the state, and our education rankings continue to be at the bottom. By threatening to undo health care reform or proposing closing public schools, none of these candidates have a vision to move our country or Mississippi forward.”

“The Republican candidates are completely ignoring the interests and values of Alabama and America. While Alabama undergoes wrenching cuts to schools and health care for children, the Republicans talk of tax cuts for the wealthy”, said Alabama Young Democrats President Beau Butts. “At a time when the Youth of Alabama struggle to find a foothold in the workplace, Republicans talk of making college less affordable and hindering job creation. These are not the acts of people who share any commitment to the young people of Alabama of making the promise of America come alive for all.”

Outside of the south, Hawaii also held their caucus this evening.

“Hawaii’s young people still stand firmly behind President Obama, a keiki o ka ‘aina who has fought diligently to represent our interests  in health care reform, college affordability, winding down the war in Iraq, and repealing Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”, said President of the Young Democrats of Hawaii Francis Choe. “The President’s re-election along with successful Democratic victories in all of Hawaii’s Congressional races this November will continue to chart a path for our nation in which we continue to strengthen our economy, protect our environment, improve education, and work toward equality for all.”