This year's Homecoming parade will continue to focus on Penn State's pride and tradition, even with the approaching presidential election.

The Homecoming Overall Committee has decided to continue regulations put in place several years ago that prohibit floats from containing political messages.

According to Penn State's Official 2004 Competition Rulebook, any Homecoming float that uses political propaganda, profanity or nudity will be disqualified from the contest.

Homecoming Overall Chair Andrea McDonald said political floats have not been allowed in the competition for several years.

"The parade is supposed to be about Penn State pride and Penn State tradition. We don't want the parade to be formatted to promote any political cause," she said.

The College Democrats, including President Megan Green, have decided not to build a float for the parade.

"We thought our resources and time would be better spent at the Bryce Jordan Center preparing for Michael Moore to speak," Green said.

Penn State spokesman Tysen Kendig said the parade should revolve around Penn State and its students.

"The focus of the parade is on Penn State student groups and greek life, not politics," Kendig said.

Allison Davis, parade overall chair, said she wants to keep the parade concentrated on Penn State and make sure Homecoming is a great success without including politics.

"Every year we have the same rules," she said. "We're just trying to stay consistent with previous years' traditions and regulations."

College Republicans Chairman Andy Banducci said a large part of the Penn State experience for many students is working on political causes, candidates or ideas.

"I can understand the feeling that politics in a parade is inappropriate, but I'm sure that the parade will probably not be totally devoid of political content, nor should it be," Banducci said.

This year's College Republicans float will feature a tribute to former President Ronald Reagan, who died earlier this year. The float is not considered politically influential or offensive, making it a suitable float for the parade, Davis said.

"We want to appreciate what Ronald Reagan did for our country while keeping politics out of the Homecoming celebration," said Homecoming Overall Competition Chair Katherine Norris.

Stan Latta, director of union and student activities, said political figures can ride in the parade, but officials do not want floats that suggest voting for any specific person.

"The parade is about Penn State; we want to limit all commercial and political floats in general," Latta said.