Amid countless numbers of pundits, protestors and Bush supporters, Penn State will have its own slice of Americana represented in the nation's capital this weekend.

Several campus organizations with different agendas will make the trip to Washington, D.C. for Saturday's Presidential Inauguration.

A group of 20 to 25 Penn State College Republicans will leave today and head to the capital to take part in inaugural day celebrations. Along with College Republicans solely going to give their support and listen to President-elect George W. Bush's inaugural speech, some members will participate directly in festivities such as working in the inaugural parade and as escorts at inaugural balls.

Brendan Holloway, College Republican vice-chairman, said he looks forward to attending his first Presidential Inauguration and watching Bush take the oath of office as the 43rd President.

"It's going to be exciting to see what happens while we're there," Holloway (junior-finance) said. "I'm interested to hear how he'll put forth his plan to get things done after the tough election."

However, not all groups attending plan to show their encouragement for the president-elect. A contingent of 15 to 20 members of the Penn State Green Party and other groups plan to join protests of the election results and for other social concerns. The group will proceed to DuPont Circle for the Voter March rally, and from there it will move throughout the city in mass numbers in a show of discontent over election results.

Justin Brousse (sophomore-meteorology), a member of the campus Green Party, hopes that planned protests will send a message to government officials that people today are willing to work for change and let their views be heard.

"I think what we expect to see once we get there is a cross section of the whole country," Brousse said. "I think the whole Florida controversy will add to everything."

Other organizations that plan on making a showing in Washington include Womyn's Concerns, Lambda Student Alliance, and Penn State Young Americans for Freedom. The Penn State College Democrats have not made plans to attend the inauguration.

Jared Cram, College Democrats vice-president, said he feels it is more important to show support for the president-elect and not participate in protesting.

"We don't feel a protest would be an appropriate response at this time," Cram (junior-finance) said. "We wish to put the pain and turmoil of the election out of our minds and come together for the good of the country."