Younger political candidates in Oklahoma focus on grassroots campaigning over fundraising.
BY DAVID WOLFGANG, Oklahoman, Published: July 4, 2010
When Emily Virgin knocks on the door, the inevitable question is, "How old are you?”
Virgin, 23, of Norman, is running in the Democratic Party primary for the House District 44 seat. But she isn't the only young candidate in the race. Isaiah McCaslin, 26, of Norman, is one of Virgin's competitors.
Flanked on either side by men twice their age, McCaslin and Virgin held their own at a recent candidate forum hosted by the Cleveland County Democratic Party in Norman. One issue that was not raised was their age.
Virgin and McCaslin — two of the 29 people younger than 30 who filed to run for state office — say age and experience have not been a political issue so far. Both candidates, and others younger than 30 running for office, say most constituents are energized by the prospect of a young candidate.
"A good public servant doesn't need political experience,” Virgin said. "I didn't see a reason to wait.” FULL ARTICLE
Posted on
Sun, July 4, 2010
by Crystal Drwenski