Sunday January 6, 2008

They've studied the philosophies and teachings of Thomas Jefferson.
Now they're ready to inject themselves into presidential politics.

"This is such an important election for so many of us," says University Democrats Secretary Lauren Lasky. "I think it's great that we have such a great turnout considering that it is over Winter Break and that there are so many other things people could be doing."

Lasky is one of 40 University Democrats heading for New Hampshire to jump into the last 48 hours of that state's primaries. She says some will go to work for Barack Obama, some for Hillary Clinton and John Edwards, even one for long shot Bill Richardson.

"Everyone seems to have the attitude that as long as a democrat wins, they'll go out and support them 100 percent," Lasky explains.

At the UVa Center for Politics they study these primaries and the University Democrats could actually make a difference with New Hampshire voters.

"The people that turn out are very politically knowledgeable," the Center's Communications Director Matt Smyth says. "They know about the candidates. Some have made...their decision already and some will wait until the day of the primary to make that decision."

But, Lauren Lasky and the University Democrats say it's the politicians who seem to be listening.

"This is a great election for young people and we're really trying to make a difference...I think the candidates know that, which is why they're talking about issues that actually are important to us and that will affect us 50 years down the road."

Such activism certainly would make Mr. Jefferson proud.