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Witt student, 18, running for state Senate
Freshman James E. Howard says it's always been his goal to go into politics; if elected, he won't quit school.
Comment: Is an 18-year-old mature enough to handle the responsibilities of a state senator?
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
SPRINGFIELD — It may be tough to convince Ohio voters that someone who can't legally buy alcohol can solve issues surrounding health care, school funding and state finances.
But 18-year-old James E. Howard, a Wittenberg University freshman who announced his candidacy for the Ohio State Senate seat Monday, said he is up for the challenge.
Extras
Howard, a Republican, is running in the 10th district —which includes Clark, Greene and Madison counties — against state Rep. Chris Widener and former Greene County Commissioner W. Reed Madden in March 2008's primary election.
"I don't have the experience and that's what makes it even better," said Howard, who is from Beavercreek. "I'm not Washington ... I'm a citizen. I'm gonna fight for you. I'm facing the same issues you are facing."
Armed with a $15,000 budget, an itinerary of college tours and a Web site, www.HowardForOhio.com, Howard said he's ready to move forward.
Howard says he is serious about his campaign. He says he wants to rescind the commercial activity tax which, he said, is killing business in Ohio. He also supports implementing tax breaks for those with health insurance.
That's where Howard's campaign manager, 21-year-old David Donofrio, comes in.
Donofrio was the campaign manager for Ben McCullough, who at 19 managed to win the Democratic primary and 45 percent of the vote in the 2006 state House of Representatives election.
"We're going to win this thing," Donofrio said.
It's always been Howard's dream to go into politics, though he didn't envision himself running at 18, he said.
If elected, Howard doesn't plan to quit school; he wants to go part-time while in office.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0374 or boutten@coxohio.com.
Comments
By Humm
November 20, 2007 4:27 AM | Link to this
After watching the video online with him and reading the other posts. I seriously wander if he’s up to the job. He seems to be intimidated by the camera in the clip. Makes me think he might be intimidated by those lawyers who have lots of practice of arguing thier case. I realize age is not everything. He came across as unsure of him self to me. Others may see it differenlty. In the end, this is still America and he can still run and work on his assertivness skils and portray he’s intimidated.
By JJ
November 19, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this
It’s about time someone other then a LAWYER is running for office, who will represent the poorer working classes and not the big money people.
By Gene
November 16, 2007 8:56 AM | Link to this
He references Washington but the office is located in Columbus.
By bing
November 13, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this
my first reaction is ” no way will a 19 year old become a senator, in ohio. however after i give it a chance, at least for a second i think he probaly wouldn’t do any worse than what we have and have had.
By Nathan
November 13, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this
While I am inspired by his courage, my worry is that when he arrives in office, being so young and impressionable, he will be easily manipulated by more experienced politicians. The freshness he brings to the political system might instead make his voice of youth fall right in line with current government corruption.
By Andrew
November 13, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this
I applaud his interest and enthusiasm, however I sincerely doubt he fully comprehends the demands of such a position. While a lack of the negative Washington influence can be viewed as a positive attribute, the voting public never-the-less deserves a candidate who has a healthy grasp of the intricacies of our governmental structure and workings, and I have reason to believe that this is not something that the high school educational institutions of this state adequately provide for.
By Aaron
November 13, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this
This gentleman is ahead of his time and knows much more than his age would show. Give him a shot and I would imagine you will get to see results and a more than what we currently have.
By Bonnie
November 13, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this
Age is just another number its how mature the person is,is what should count. Ohio needs new blood, new ideas and who knows maybe he will aspire to greater heights and move Ohio into the 20th century (most know that Ohio is so far behind other states its not even funny)
By Resident
November 13, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this
I think it’s great that he wants to run for office. I also think that we need to get new and younger ideas into those positions and see what they can do for us. I just hope if he wins he don’t fall into peer pressure or get bullied by the old folk.
By Cher
November 13, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this
Bravo! Most young people don’t give a care about what happens in the government.
By Debbie
November 13, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this
Like the older ones can do better. It is about time we got some new and younger blood in office. Fresh ideas is what we need not more of the same old same old. Good luck to him.
By Janette Brighton
November 13, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this
Absolutely he is! All these Ohio politicians are corrupt and spend our money on their gala events in Columbus. What has Chris Widener done for me? Absolutely nothing. Let’s see if some new people can clean up this Statehouse.