YEO

Stuff you should know and see that I won't be blogging in depth:

• Looks like we have another YEO! John Tyler Hammons, a 17 year old freshman at the University of Oklahoma was elected the mayor of Muskegee, a town of 38,000 people. He ran on a good government platform and won in a run-off against the former mayor, capturing 70% of the vote. Way to go John. - The Politico
• Young evangelicals continue to abandon Bush and the GOP over Iraq and the economy. - Huffington Post
• The Godfathers of GOTV testing and research, Gerber and Green, have a new book out pimping Peer to Peer as the best form of organizing. Direct mail and robo-call consultants everywhere are not happy. - Campaigns and Elections
• Two articles say that Obama will need the "senior vote" if he is to beat McCain. I tend not to agree. There are more voters under 30 than over 65, and in some contests we are already performing on par with their turnout. It all depends on how many new young voters show up in November. - Democratic Strategist
• Obama is the king of voter-generated music tributes. - The Politico
• Republicans held a fashion show on the National Mall to show off their new convention swag. This was my favorite photo. And no, this is not a joke. - Minnesota Monitor

Who at the GOP thought it was a good idea to bring back MC Hammer pants? And I'm pretty sure that if that little girl were a lib'rul, we'd hear wingnuts screaming about flag desecration.

While I was in hibernation, we had an election. Who knew.

We've talked in the past about the Long March, the rate at which Millennials are expected to assume leadership roles at the municipal, state, and federal level. Last Tuesday saw some solid steps forward on that front, and I wanted to give a shout-out to what I'm sure are just a few noteworthy victories by young people (defined here as 35 and under, though I note ages when I can) in local, state, and federal elections.

From Martina Hone, who won a school board position in Falls Church Virginia, to Lisa Wong, the 28 year old (and first minority) mayor of Fitchburg, MA, and Luke Ravenstahl, the 27 year old Mayor of Pittsburgh, PA (that's right - mayor of one of the countirey's largest urban centers), young people had a successful year on the campaign trail. I've got reports about almost 30 victories by young people (all listed below), and I'm sure these are just a drop in the bucket. These victories are to say nothing of the many close races that young progressives lost, like Dayne Walling, who lost the mayoral race in Flint, Michigan to incumbent Don Williamson by just 581 votes. It was the closest race in 30 years, based in large part to Dayne's courting of young voters in Flint.

There's no national information available yet on young voter turnout, (though I'm sure that's coming), but from what I hear so far, it was a good off-year for young voters at the ballot box as well. In Missoula, Forward Montana helped swing the city council to progressives for the first time in years with its Candidates Gone Wild and Pink Bunnies campaigns, and The League is reporting that in Portland, Maine, all three of its endorsed candidates were elected, giving them their second major victory in 2007.

Before I get to the full list of winners, I want to say that even though running for office is intimidating, it's doable, even for someone in their early 20's. All of these victories prove it. Anyone looking to run (or even those winners who now need to think about how they will govern and, unfortunately, get reelected in just a few short years), there are many resources available to you. The Young Elected Officials Network will help anyone under 35 attain, hold and competently perform their duties in elected office. Started by Andrew Gillum, who was elected to the Tallahasse City Council at the age of 23, YEO teaches the basics, from reelection to learning the ropes of your new job, and provides a support network of peers to America's youngest representatives. Camp Wellstone also offers numerous trainings new elected officials and those looking to make their first run at public office.

I'd also recommend two books. For the nuts and bolts, check out How to Win a Local Election. It doesn't say jack about the internet, but it's great for learning the basic pitfalls and "must-dos" for running a municipal campaign. For inspiration, read How to Get Stupid White Men Out of Office, by The League. It's short on specifics, but has some inspiring stories about young people taking the initiative and winning local races.

You'll get the full winners list after the jump. Where possible, I've also noted what youth organizations they come from/are active in. I'm sure this list is far from complete. If you know anymore, please add them in the comments. Journalists occasionally stop by here, and this could be a great story. Let's make it as comprehensive a resource as possible.