SOUTH BEND - Banking on the premise that there is strength in numbers, College Democrats from three local campuses have joined forces to organize as the Northern Indiana College Democrats.

The group had its inaugural rally Monday night at the Clay Township Civic & Democratic Club. It consists of College Democrats chapters from Indiana University South Bend, the University of Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s College.

Two other campus chapters recently have been created at Bethel College and Ivy Tech Community College and are expected to join in the NICD activities, according to Sean Dvorak, an IUSB junior and spokesman for the group.

A highlight of Monday night was an appearance by Jim Schellinger, one of two Democratic candidates for governor. The other candidate, Jill Long Thompson, was invited but had a commitment in southern Indiana, Dvorak said.

Schellinger, a South Bend native, Notre Dame graduate and Indianapolis architect, said he is running “because I want to give back’’ and “because I believe Indiana can and should be doing better.’’

He highlighted issues he will stress in his campaign, including a fully funded education system and affordable college; a fair system of taxation that doesn’t overburden homeowners; and accessible and affordable health care for all.

Gov. Mitch Daniels, who is seeking a second term in office, promised a new style of leadership, Schellinger said, but what the state got was an arrogant style that doesn’t listen to the people.

2008 will be an election of choices, he said, “politics of the past or building a new future,’’ and “change or more of the same.’’

Dvorak said the NICD is registered with the Federal Election Commission and the Indiana Election Commission, which allows it to raise money and donate to candidates.

“Our plan,’’ Dvorak said in a press release, “will be to campaign vigorously this election cycle, by setting up our own phone banks, door-to-door canvassing, GOTV (get out the vote), voter ID, media and even primary candidate endorsements in March.’’

Beyond the endorsements, Dvorak said, NICD will offer money, expertise and manpower to campaigns for local, state and national offices.

The NICD leadership consists of the presidents of the individual campus groups.

Caitlin Worm is president of the IUSB Young Democrats and chairwoman of the NICD, as well as vice-president of the College Democrats of Indiana.

Spencer Howard is president of the Notre Dame Young Democrats, recorder of the NICD and political affairs director of the College Democrats of Indiana.

Blaine Noland, NICD treasurer, is president of the Saint Mary’s College Democrats and communications director of the state group.

Monday’s rally was sponsored by Congressman Joe Donnelly and his wife, Jill, and Mayor Stephen Luecke and his wife Peg.

Mayor Luecke told the gathering he is encouraged by seeing so many young people becoming involved in the political process.

Jill Donnelly said her husband was unable to attend because of commitments in Congress, but he is looking forward to help from students in his re-election campaign.

Local business owners David and Susan Nufer helped underwrite the gathering, along with South Bend attorney Frank Julian. Dominic’s Pizzeria provided the food.