YOUNG POLITICAL ACTIVIST: MISSOLUA, MONTANA

Erika Sylvester, 19

Missoula, Montana

Erika Sylvester has filled her year with political activity. She
volunteers on the re-election campaign of U.S. Sen. Max Baucus and has
been an active supporter of both Democratic presidential candidates.

Erika has been featured in her local paper because of her
activism organizing and attending political rallies in her hometown.
She plans to continue her political activity after she reports for
classes at the University of Montana in Missoula in the fall. She even
foresees running for a state or local office some day.


What made you want to get involved in politics this year?


Needless to say, I think it is a very important election. I think
that's the main reason. I don't really care which Democrat gets
elected. I think that we do need some type of change, but I don't
know exactly what type of change is best.


How did you get started?


I mainly wanted to just meet Senator Clinton, and I did get to meet
her, and I e-mailed people like our state representative, and they
were able to connect me.


What do you think has changed to allow young people to feel a part of
the political process?


I think part of it is that Senator Obama is really reaching out to the
young public. In my opinion, there's going to be a large turnout of
young voters. And then, Senator Clinton definitely has the female
vote, but not as much so here in Montana. I am a younger person
interested in Senator Clinton, and here in Missoula it doesn't happen
very often. One out of probably 10 students here are actively
supportive of Senator Clinton.


If you could talk to any candidate about any issue, what would it be?


I would probably talk about the health-care system and how they want
to improve it, as well as our social welfare systems, such as Social
Security, and all the cuts that are being made there.

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