Gen Y Candidates in an iPod Government

So – Last week Colorado’s House and Senate approved the bill that will reduce the age requirement to run for office meaning it now goes to a full vote on the next state-wide ballot. This was part of the ambitious legislative agenda by a new organization in the state called New Era Colorado and this is indeed a new era in Colorado.

Colorado is one of six states that require candidates to be 25. All other states have age minimums of 21 or 18. According to the Colorado Daily.

”The CU student government's liaison to state legislature, Ryan Biehle, 20, thinks more young candidates will emerge.

“Once the gates are open people will take to it, I guess,” Biehle said.”

So, curious, as I tend to be, I decided to check out some younger candidates and how they are different – better in some ways.

Jason Croucher, 23, a newly elected member of the Osage City Council in Osage City, Kansas is no stranger to politics. He’s served on several campaigns from Congressional to US Senate, state races, not to mention his active participation in the state’s Young Dems. It was only a matter of time before Jason ran for office.

“While I’m certain all of my fellow councilmembers have the best for the city at their hearts, being 23 with plans to live in Osage City for the foreseeable future, I have a stronger drive to see us make progressive investment in the future of the city.” Croucher says.

Neighbor to the south – a 2 term State Representative in Oklahoma Ryan Kiesel agrees.

“I think I have a good prospective of long term policies. Take an older guy who entered out of retirement, for example, you can hear them talk about how policies will mean a lot for his kids or her grandkid – but I’m part of that generation. Being younger helps give you greater long term prospective”

Kiesel was elected having finished his undergraduate degree but still enrolled in law school at the age of 24. He was the youngest Representative ever elected in Oklahoma.

And they are not alone. Young electeds are popping up all over the place. Cindy Montanez was the youngest person ever elected to the Assembly in the state of California at the age of 28 as well as the youngest person ever elected to the San Fernando City Council at the age of 25. Eugene Pearson was 22 when he narrowly lost his bid for the Boulder City Council – he graduated from CU a month after the election and now serves on the New Era Colorado board. In Massachusetts, 23-year old Ken Procaccianti ran on the Republican ticket for state Representative in the 3rd Suffolk District. 22-year old Patrick Schmitt - Democratic candidate for State Senate in Rhode Island.

“Both Procaccianti and Schmitt face challenges other than just their ages. Procaccianti is taking on an incumbent who has been in office for nearly 30 years and is currently House Speaker. Schmitt's opponent is the Senate Minority Leader, who has run unopposed since 1992.” May 14, 2007

Funny – some things really are the same globally.

The Colorado Daily claims "Opponents say young people should gain background and experience before qualifying to hold high-ranking political positions." I would argue - that philosophy didn't stop President Bush from taking office. The day we start saying age is a reasonable tool for "experience" and who is "qualified" and who's not is the day we end up with a whole bunch of politicians who are only in it for their own benefit and their own.... personal..... philosophies....... hang on...... well, I'll be damn.

With rampant corruption, fondling of interns, constant miscalculation misallocation of funds, kick-backs, setbacks, and creative facts one can't help but wonder if a few keg parties - and tennis shoes with suits should be the least of our troubles....

Croucher just wants to bring more to the fold. He might be one of few in Osage City, but he joins an army of young leaders, political workers, and activists across the country and indeed the world in making things happen.

"I hope I can show young people that live around me that you can run for office if you’re under 30 and that you can make a difference regardless of age."

Watch some of the 30 Something Caucus battle it out in Congress ... after midnight of course