Stabenow spoke at the MSU College Democrats kickoff meeting in the Wonders Hall Kiva. Also in attendance were Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, East Lansing City Councilmember Kevin Beard and Jocelyn Benson, a Democratic candidate for the Secretary of State nomination and current law professor at Wayne State University.

Stabenow praised Obama’s investments in Michigan, specifically federal grants from the U.S. Department of Energy provided to develop battery technology and other loans provided to the state to help retool the auto industry.

MSU College Democrats President Mitchell Rivard, a social relations and policy junior, said Sunday’s meeting was an opportunity for students to meet with federal, state and local representatives.

“We want to start a conversation and open dialogue between candidates or elected officials for ways that students and young people can get involved,” he said.

Marcia Levigne, a social relations and policy sophomore, said this year’s elections at the state level are as important as the 2008 presidential election.

“We can’t forget to keep our voices active and loud,” she said. “Your opinion matters and no matter what it is it really needs to be heard.”

James Madison College freshman Mike Guthrie said 2010 will be a tough year for Democrats, and it’s a critical time for them to remind constituents they still care.

“But I think the most important thing will come when they go back to Washington, if they start to be transparent,” he said. “That’s what you heard the Republicans criticizing — a lack of transparency.”

Stabenow also said she is working on legislation that will directly affect MSU students, including expanding funding for student loans, Pell grants and work-study funding and opportunities.

“We are in the process of taking the middlemen — the banks — out of the loan process,” she said.

Bernero told students he still is considering gubernatorial candidacy for the 2010 election and will announce a final decision “soon.”

“There (are) a lot of issues that will be decided at the state level that will affect students’ immediate future,” Bernero said.

Stabenow emphasized the importance of the upcoming gubernatorial election in carrying Michigan forward.

“It does make a difference which candidates are there in the general election,” she said. “This is a critical year for us in Michigan.”