Social relations and policy sophomore Curtis Audette made it one of his goals four years ago to represent his district as a delegate for a national party convention at some point in his life. But he never expected he’d be able to serve as a delegate at such a young age.
On June 2, Audette ran in an election to serve as a delegate for the Democratic National Convention, or DNC.
The Democratic National Convention, which is being held Sept. 4-6 in Charlotte, N.C., will be attended by registered Democrats and elected officials from around the country. The purpose of the election is to provide Democrats with an opportunity to gather and collaborate to choose a candidate to represent the party in the 2012 presidential election. At the convention, Audette, 19, will be among other delegates from across the country, including seven other people from his district, Michigan’s first congressional district, he said. Audette is looking forward to being in the presence of influential leaders, including President Barack Obama, he said. The State News got the scoop on how Audette feels about being elected to represent his district and attend the convention.
The State News: How did you become a delegate for your district?
Curtis Audette: I believe you have to be a member of the Michigan Democratic Party. You have to request an application — they don’t just hand it out — and you have to turn it in to them in person in Lansing to the (Michigan Democratic Party). The Obama campaign will have the final say of who can go. That was something done prior to the election. I did have to go to a congressional district convention where I had to give a little speech quickly and have everyone who was there — people of the Michigan Democratic Party, candidates for office and elected officials. I had to basically get most of their votes to become a delegate.
What other experience do you have in politics?
I have been involved in politics for a while. I got into it in 1998. I was big into Hillary Clinton until the end of her campaign. I was the congressional page for Nancy Pelosi. I did that when I was 17. But right now, I’m the field director for a state representative campaign. I cover seven and a half counties. I’ve been very involved.
When did you first realize you wanted to be involved in politics and attend the Democratic National Convention as a delegate?
For me, I just remember when I was in sixth grade. I remember the 2004 election. Everyone was really involved in it. (When I) watched the 2008 Democratic National Convention, I knew I wanted to go to the 2012 convention. I was just amazed with everything that happened, just watching TV; that’s when I knew I wanted to be a delegate at some point in my life. I want to change the world or have some lasting impression, and I feel like I can do it through politics. I see so much potential as a state and as a nation, and I just want to change (it) and make it better.
How are you going to prepare for the convention?
All the Michigan delegates will be meeting in Port Huron in two weeks. That’s where we elect our committee and our spokesperson for the state of Michigan. I believe there are a little more than 200 delegates going, just in the state of Michigan (from Congressional districts), and then there are delegates who will represent the entire state as well (at the DNC).
What do you expect to gain from this experience?
I’m ecstatic. I have started looking at (what) Charlotte, N.C., is like, and it seems like a young, vibrant city. It is also known as the city of trees, (and) it is known for having trees on like every single street. It is more forward-thinking, being compared with being in the south, so I am very excited to go. I’m excited to see leaders from the Democratic party. Elected officials and even people from the media and the news outlets, everyone is going to be there. It is a good opportunity for me for networking. I’m going to meet so many people, not just in the state of Michigan, but from across the country.
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