The media calls it soul-searching, but the point is clear that the Republicans need a winning coalition - something they are lacking.

Besides the basic historical pressures that caused a Democratic landslide the last two election cycles, we have to look at other important areas the party lost to perform. Let us not look for a certain candidate to save our party - a strong party produces and attracts strong candidates.

If anything, President-Elect Obama has shown the nation what a 21st Century campaign should look like.

He outspent the McCain campaign 10 to 1 on online advertising. In this YouTube and Facebook era, communication is faster and easier than ever before. The Republican Party must connect better online. Not only for the benefits of communication, but for fundraising. This new option provides a way to get around the nagging phone callers that have been a nuisance for many years.

The Clinton campaign was also the first time a Presidential candidate had introduced Phone Banking online for their volunteers and supporters. This generated a way for people to volunteer from their own homes.

The McCain campaign caught on to this idea, but it was not until October that the campaign began to utilize these tools. Now, voters can be reached by other voters cheaply and effectively.

The McCain Campaign did have a leg up during the primaries with “Tele-Town Halls”, which present yet another format to reach voters. Imagine the potential of having a candidate reach thousands of voters without having to set-up the rallies and events.

Finally, the Republican Party has to connect its message and incorporate younger voters more effectively.

Technology is a large way to do this, but there is much more to be done on this front. Those who get involved in their youth tend to be more involved over their lifetime. The youth do not turnout as high as other sectors, but the youth who do turnout often become lifelong party members.

The Republicans must recruit for the future of the party.

Incorporating groups like Young Republicans and College Republicans into the decision-making process of the party will yield greater results.  To secure long-term victories for the party, a generation of new Republicans, ready to lead this nation, is absolutely essential.

We can not be complacent with out current coalition, but we must shift our priorities and strengths with those of the American people.

Cameron Pruette
Vice Chairman, TNCR
Chairman, LUCR

Q: When did you first realize that you wanted to coach men’s basketball?
A: I first realized I wanted to coach basketball in college when I was a sophomore sitting in accounting class.

Q: When did you first become interested in basketball?
A: I can’t remember a time in my life when I didn’t play basketball.

Q: Did you play any other sports in high school or college?
A: I played quarterback on the football team and was a baseball pitcher in high school.

Q: What is your favorite moment in your basketball career?
A: My favorite moment in my basketball career was hanging out with my teammates.

Q: Since coaching at Lee, what has been your favorite moment?
A: My favorite moment since being at Lee was watching our team wrestle with each other on the beach at the North Shore in Hawaii.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: In 10 years I hope I am fulfilling my calling, not my ambition.

Q: What are your goals for this year’s team?
A: My goals for this year’s team are the same as they always are: that we become the best we possibly can be.

The Salvation Army in Cleveland donated their emergency response vehicle for use throughout the Cleveland community.

The van made an appearance on campus last Friday, simply to give students free hot chocolate and apple cider on a cool day.

Cutrell is the student coordinator for the outreach ministry that the bus will provide.

“We want this to be an avenue in which students can help,” Cutrell said. “There will be no complex means to help out … and it will count for student service hours.”

Though a set schedule of the bus outreach times have not been decided upon, the coordinators want to get a set group of student leaders involved with the project and then bring in some additional volunteers each time to help out.

“We want this to be a ministry with more than just 10 or 20 people involved,” Cutrell said. “We want to get companies, churches and other feeding ministries all involved.”

According to Regina Lawson, a member of AmeriCorps who is stationed at the Lee University Lenoard Center, the Salvation Army was looking for a place to get more involved in the Cleveland community.

“They had this van available and it was just sitting, unused,” Lawson said. “So they donated it for our use.”

The van was first received on Nov. 7 but had some delays in being used right away because the Leonard Center needed to stocked it.

“This ministry is about more than just serving food,” Cutrell said. “We want to get the community fully involved and have each volunteer use their own talents.”

For more information about being a part of the team of students to work for the ministry, contact Cutrell at Jonathan.cutrell@gmail.com, Lawson at Rlawson@leeuniversity.edu or the Leonard Center at 614-8614.

Every guy should realize when he is selected as a “rant escape route” by a member of the opposite sex, there is no backing down. You have been chosen. Natural selection has found its victim. Time to close off distractions and focus 150 percent on your newly oppressed companion.

To all you guys out there, it’s important to note all ego and sarcasm must go.

Why? Because within minutes, you’ll encounter the toughest mountain of all - the insurmountable combination of receptive vagueness and perhaps the ultimate knock on male psyche: helplessness.

A woman doesn’t need a man to go “Dr. Phil” on them so much. Women need men who can commit to listen. Women need you to look into their eyes and tell them everything will be all right, even though you feel like it’s Dec. 26, 2004, and you’re standing on the beaches of Kata Noi Beach, Thailand.

Now the most natural response during this stage is trying to solve the mystery of the “issue” - hoping to crack codes so you may eventually lead your dismayed damsel down a path to some form of breakthrough.

Well, congratulations! You’ve now entered the outer gates of my dilemma. Again, don’t stress! It’s treatable. It’s entirely fixable.

First, channel all your attention on the listening component. Depending on how dire the circumstances, she made need you to rescue her at some point; however, chances are you’re not at a position to do it just yet. Quench the desire to “Robin Hood” her. Certain signs do exist concerning how to woo her from present onslaught. Still, you need to know theses signs before executing some radical “Ethan Hunt” maneuver.

Second, deflect her biting remarks. Guys, you must not absorb 100 percent of her verbosity. Part of every woman’s claptrapping involves phrases linked to the idea that we have no idea how she feels. Sure, a few diamonds of truth can be found at the core of this notion, but is it so necessary a woman must derail a man’s confidence in her attempt to surface her head above the waters?

If your tongue is safe-guarded and yet you find yourself on the receiving end of insult, politely bombast her back and get the heck out of there. Actually, upon second though, don’t do this. But seriously, be what every woman wants you to be: a man!

A wise man once told me at lunch last year: take it for what’s it worth! I leave my argument at that.

While on the verge of tears, Fulmer explained at a press conference that he would coach the Volunteers for the remainder of this season and then step down from the only team he has ever coached.

In 17 years as head coach, Fulmer amassed the second highest winning percentage of any college coach with a record of 150-51. Fulmer won two SEC Championships and the 1998 National Championship during his tenure. He coached future NFL stars like Peyton Manning, Jamal Lewis, Al Wilson, Albert Haynesworth and Peerless Price.

This season is the culmination of a slow decline in national prestige for the football program on Rocky Top. With a 3-6 record and 1-5 SEC record, fans and administration alike recognize that it’s time for a change.

The SEC East being one of the toughest divisions in any conference in the country, UT simply cannot fall any further behind. Georgia, Florida and Alabama have catapulted ahead of the Vols with newer coaches Mark Richt, Urban Meyer and Nick Saban.

From 2000 to 2008 Fulmer was 11-16 against these three powers. This simply doesn’t cut it in a program that expects championships.

Even though Fulmer’s final season isn’t ideal, he will always be remembered as one of the greatest coaches in college football. Anyone who has been to the Vols Walk down Peyton Manning Pass before a game can see that Coach Fulmer is loved by the entire state of Tennessee. Despite this season’s disappointments, everyone knows he is the best thing Tennessee football has had for 17 years.

Part of the team’s success lies in the selfless philosophy of Coach Matt Sanders.

“Unity of the team is one of Coach Sanders biggest philosophies. He always talks to us as a team and teaches us as one to keep the unity together,” said Aaron Alldaffer.

The Flames kicked off the season with a strong win over Covenant College, thanks in part to solid team defense and excellent ball control. Jeff Barnhart led the Flames in scoring with 20 points.

Next came a road game against King College, a contest that saw the Flames erupt from the field, scorching the Tornados for 95 points.

“Coach keeps telling us if we are patient and will[ing] to give up our good shot for a great shot it will happen,” Alldaffer said.

The team continued its success with an 85-51 win over Bryan College.

Jordan McElheney made six of eight three-pointers and led the team with 18 points.

After a close loss against arch-rival Tennessee Temple the Flames returned to winning form with a second win over Covenant College, 82-50.

McElheney dominated, hitting 10 three-pointers and finishing with 37 points.

On Dec. 1 the Flames will have a second shot against Tennessee Temple. The team will wrap up the year with games against Hiwassee and King College.

Stephen McClellan (SM)

Classification: Sophomore

Hometown: Dalton, Ga.

Fast Fact: Hit seven three-point shots in the Homecoming game vs Montreat

Nate Minnoy (NM)

Classification: Senior

Hometown: Chicago, Ill.

Fast Fact: Brings a huge presence (literally) to the Flames’ frontcourt

Q: What are your personal basketball goals this year?

A: SM: My personal goals coincide with the team, which is to first win the conference championship, and ultimately the NAIA national championship. As a shooter, the coaches are wanting me to average close to 50 percent from the 3-point line, so that is my main goal as of right now.

NM: My personal basketball goal for this year is to just be the best teammate I can be. I want to lead us further than we’re suppose to go, and that takes great leadership and great trust.

Q: What school did you attend before Lee?

A: SM: I played basketball at the Air Force Academy Prep School in Colorado Springs for a year, then I transferred and played at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga for a year, then I transferred to Lee.

NM: I attended three schools before landing here at Lee. As a freshman I started at Purdue, as a sophomore I played at Schoolcraft College in Michigan and unfortunately played at Central Michigan University as a junior last season.

Q: What do you like about Lee more than your previous schools?

A: SM: I love the relationships I have already formed at Lee with my players, coaches, friends and teachers. It has a great family environment that makes you feel very comfortable.

NM: Lee challenges my religion. Since coming here, I have tried to focus more on that and finding what is best for me.

Q: Do you have a favorite pre-game meal?

A: SM: I try to always eat pasta or chicken before a game.

NM: My favorite pre-game meal is some type of spaghetti or pasta and salad.

Q: Do you have any pre-game superstitious rituals?

A: SM: I don’t have any rituals that are out of the ordinary. I have to listen to a few certain songs before I get dressed, and I always drink an energy drink before running out onto the court.

NM: My pre-game superstitious ritual would be that I love to take a shower before every game. It calms me down and gives me a chance to get my mind ready for the mental part of the game.

Q: What is your favorite part of basketball?

A: SM: I love the battle of each game. You have to work together as a team to achieve victory, and there is no greater feeling than working hard and earning the right to a championship.

NM: My favorite part of basketball is team success. It involves trust and the better your trust, the better chance you have to win and make something special happen.

Q: Did you play any other sports in high school?

A: SM: I played no other sport in high school except for basketball.

NM: In high school I played football and ran track.

Q: Do you have a mentor?

A: SM: My mentors would be my family. Each one of them has inspired me. I am where I am today because of the work and impact they have made in my life.

NM: I don’t have a mentor, but I talk to my Uncle James and my junior college coach Mike Brown before every game.

Q: What are your goals after you graduate?

A: SM: I plan to teach high school history at a private school after I graduate, but we will see what the Lord has in store for me.

NM: My goals after graduation are: first, be the best person I can be; second, get my career started; third, work on starting a family.

Q: How did it feel to lead the Flames to a win?

A: SM: After getting a technical in the first game against Tennessee Temple, it felt great to come out at Homecoming and play much better. My teammates worked hard to get me the ball, and I was fortunate enough to hit the shots for them. The Lord blessed me with a great game, and I still have areas to work on. Hopefully, that won’t be the last time I hit seven three-pointers.

NM: I believe it is an honor to have led our team in scoring in our first game last week. My teammates looked for me and when you are on a team like we have with so much talent, the lead scorer is going to change a lot, so I’m going to take it when it comes.

Sponsored by the organization TOMS Shoes, students bought and decorated their own pair of shoes, each pair costing approximately $42.

Lee student Rob Entsminger said he doesn’t worry about the price of the shoes because of the worthy cause TOMS supports.

“When I buy a pair, it’s really like only spending $20 because I’m buying a pair for a child in need, too,” Entsminger said. “When I learned about the cause, it made the shoes look a lot cooler.”

According to the company Web site, for every pair purchased, TOMS gives a pair of shoes to needy children.

TOMS Shoes was founded by Blake Mycoskie in 2006; the slogan is “Shoes for Tomorrow.”

“Anyone I’ve talked to who is affiliated with or works for TOMS are real, decent, caring individuals who really believe in the TOMS cause. I wouldn’t have volunteered if I didn’t believe that TOMS’ goal was a genuine one,” said Carly Bishop-Chaney, a student hosting the event.

TOMS Shoes states that they offer an excellent way for people to get involved with giving: simply by purchasing a pair of shoes.

“Toms is…about promoting your creativity and designing your own,” said Becky Hartness, age 23. The company’s goal is to go to as many colleges, high schools and other organizations as possible and hold parties called, “Style your Shoe.”

Interns, referred to as TOMS vagabonds, like Hartness, host events like these all around the US. They tour on the road, selling shoes, supporting the cause, and sometimes also showing a documentary called, “For Tomorrow” explaining more about their organization.

“I found out about TOMS two years ago. I just really believed in the cause. TOMS is doing really great things,” Hartness says. “Even though they’re a profit making company, they’re giving back.”

To find out more about the organization or to purchase TOMS Shoes, visit the company’s Web site at www.tomsshoes.com.

• Staff writer Christy Armstrong contributed to this article.

Each year, a sponsoring company or corporation places a Christmas tree in a store or a lobby that has high-pedestrian traffic.

K-mart has placed the Angel Tree and a table with information on how to donate money or gifts in the front of the store.

“I think it’s a great thing because it really does help throughout the year. Everybody wants something for Christmas,” said Chester Guthrie, softlines manager of the Cleveland K-mart.

The tree in K-mart is decorated with paper angel tags numbered to corresponding children. On the tags are the first name, age and gender of the child who will receive the gift.

Guthrie adds that by buying a toy or some clothing helps out needy children for Christmas, and donating money to the Salvation Army helps their cause throughout the year with expenses.

The program makes it easy to adopt an angel. First, choose an Angel from the tree at participating locations such as K-mart. Second, sign the log book located near the tree. Next, go shopping for the items listed on the Angel. Finally, mark your Angel Name and Angel Code on all the chosen gifts and return your gifts to the same location.

At K-mart, all gifts are due by Dec. 7 and the Salvation Army will distribute the gifts before Christmas day.

The children are chosen by Salvation Army social workers, based on the need of new clothing, toys and food.

Contributors may also send a holiday message along with their purchases, however all gifts are given anonymously.

To contribute to the Salvation Army Angel Tree program, visit Cleveland’s K-mart store, or to arrange a Angel Tree for a local church or organization, visit http://www.salvationarmyusa.org.