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The Democratic Party is working hard to attract the youth vote, and since 2000, the numbers of those under 30 who've taken part in primaries and caucuses has doubled.
In Utah's delegation, there is a first-time delegate who is 24 and a first-timer who is 75. They're separated by almost two generations, yet both feel energized by their candidate and the importance of why they're there.
Brian Spittler, a delegate from Utah County, views important issues through the eyes of young people and college students. He is concerned about quality of life issues and the rising cost of tuition.
Mary Lou Huffmon, also a delegate from Utah County, views the important issue of education through the eyes of a retired school teacher.
Both agree Democrats have moved beyond the stereotypical liberal agenda of abortion and gay marriage. "These are not our bread and butter. Those are not the issues that will save our country, which is, I feel, in real trouble right now," Huffman said.
Spittler said, "Given the time that we're living in, I think people are forced to see the bigger picture."
We're not sure how many first-time delegates are older than 75, but CNN is reporting nearly 15 percent of this year's delegates are under the age of 36, and we're certainly seeing a strong contingent of young people in Denver.
E-mail: nwimmer@ksl.com
