Advertisement They arrive at the Democratic and Republican headquarters in downtown La Crosse after school to make phone calls and stuff envelopes. They spend their Saturdays knocking on doors, spreading their candidate’s message.
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High school students (l-r) Cody Berra, Mike Hammond and Chelsey Sleznikow volunteer at the La Crosse Democratic Headquarters.
Erik Daily |
They are eager to help, excited to learn and actively involved the political process.
“I can’t vote, so I am doing my best to help (Sen.) John McCain get elected,” said Central High School freshman Jack Betlach, 14, as he wrapped up a campaign phone call at the Republican headquarters. “Since this is a swing state, it matters more.”
One block east, at Democratic headquarters, Logan High School junior Chloe Costakos, 16, had a similar sentiment — for a different candidate.
“I know we need change right now and I also know I won’t be able to vote,” Costakos said of her support for Sen. Barack Obama. “Helping out is the next best thing.“
Being around politics regularly helps people make an educated decision on which party suits them, said Cody Berra, a senior at Central. He has been volunteering for Obama’s campaign for more than two months. “It definitely prepares you for the next election, when we will actually be able to vote,” said Berra, 17.
McCain’s vice presidential pick prompted 16-year-old Nathan Fater to seek out the Republican headquarters. The Central junior liked Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s conservative views and was ready to devote his free time to helping the Republican ticket get elected.
“I can’t vote so this is really all I can do,” he said. “This is one way I can try to make a difference.“
Dan Faas’ interest in politics was renewed this summer when he attended Badger Boys State. He returned from the camp and promptly began volunteering for the Republican party.
“In the past I didn’t know much about the campaign process,” said Faas, 17, a Melrose-Mindoro High School senior. “I’ve learned a lot more insight and have really enjoyed it.“
Mike Hammond, 17, has been lending his time to the Democratic campaign for three months. The Central senior identified with the Illinois senator during the primaries and believes in Obama’s policies, especially a proposed $4,000 college tax credit.
Hammond implored his peers to get involved because “it affects you each and every day.”
Candidate, official: Having teens volunteer is a good thing
By AUTUMN GROOMS / agrooms@lacrossetribune.com
Candidates and campaign officials are pleased to have a large number of volunteer hours this fall coming from local teens.
They said the students are outgoing and willing to speak to voters in their neighborhoods and communities.
“Our high school student supporters are energetic, enthusiastic volunteers who pack our phone banks every Tuesday night,” said Jan Messerschmidt, a spokesman from Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama’s campaign.
Though some of the high school students will not be old enough to vote, their energy and enthusiasm, along with their own perspective on issues important to La Crosse’s youth, serves as an invaluable addition to the volunteer teams, Messerschmidt added.
“It’s really exciting to see young people, even high school age, interested in the political process, elections and running a campaign,” said State Sen. Dan Kapanke, a Republican seeking re-election. “I think it is awesome that they’re interested.”
Kapanke has seen the youth involvement grow each time he has run for office. “It’s pretty exciting to see,” he said.
