Make way for young voting bloc

SPRINGFIELD -- Music has long been a facet of the Illinois treasurer's office.

For years it was Republican Judy Baar Topinka and her accordion.

Now, however, the office is held by 31-year-old Democrat Alexi Giannoulias, whose tastes lean more toward the pop-punk anthems of Fall Out Boy than polka's oom-pahs.

And the band's bass player, Pete Wentz, also has become politically active as of late, hosting a presidential candidate fundraiser.

It's just one example of what some political experts say could be a historic shift in politics across the nation.

"I think we've now entered a moment. It's about the 2008 national elections and there's an intense interest in politics unlike anything we've seen for a long time," said Ruth Mandel, director of the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University. "There's a level concern, dissatisfaction, anxiety."

Reasons cited for this newfound youth political participation range from concerns over global warming to the Iraq war.

For decades, senior citizens have been the coveted voting bloc. They still are, but this year younger voters have gone to the polls in usually high numbers.

So far, polling has shown the presidential bid of 46-year-old Chicago Democrat Barack Obama benefiting from increased youth voting. More than 65,000 Iowans under 30 participated in their caucus last month, a threefold increase in turnout from 2004, according to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement.

Another large turnout of younger voters is expected on Tuesday.

Illinois has 7.2 million registered voters this election --just about the same as four years ago. State officials did not have an age breakdown.

"I think you're seeing, hopefully, more young people getting involved, if not running for office, getting involved in political campaigns," said Giannoulias. "They're paying more attention to what's going on in the nation. I think we are set to be the next greatest generation."

Experts are split on whether there's a full-blown youth movement in politics, and little comprehensive research exists. Regardless, it's difficult to overlook recent political wunderkinds standing in stark contrast to the stereotypical image of the typical graying politician.

Luke Ravenstahl was 27 when Pittsburgh voters elected him mayor in 2007. In October, Louisiana voters chose 36-year-old Bobby Jindal as their governor. He first ran at 32.

And in Illinois, 26-year-old Peoria-area state Rep. Aaron Schock is vying to become one of the youngest members of Congress.

Those active in politics expect more to follow.

Matt Timko, 22, president of the Students for Political Awareness organization at Elmhurst College, said he believes the Obama campaign has played a role in young peoples' recent increased political interest.