In November, Beavercreek native and Wittenberg University freshman James Howard declared his candidacy for the Ohio Senate 10th District. Howard, an 18 year old, faces only two rivals in the upcoming primary, but they are formidable.
Howard is facing State Representative Chris Widener (R-Springfield) and former Greene County Commissioner W. Reed Madden in the March 2008 primary election. The age difference among the three candidates is striking. Widener is old enough to be Howard’s father, Madden is old enough to be his grandfather. Together the three candidates represent three generations, all running for the same slot in the upcoming November election.
Howard’s campaign blog directly addresses the question of his age. According to the blog, “Lack of experience does not phase the teenager.” The blog goes on to say that Howard enjoys “meeting new people, and getting different perspectives.”
At eighteen, Howard is at the youngest legal age to seek public office in the United States. And, while he may be new to the political game, judging by his efforts he is taking this campaign very seriously. The campaign recently began an aggressive effort starting January 12 to reach 10,000 people face to face before the March 4, 2008 GOP Primary.
“I want to represent the people,” Howard said. “I feel there are issues that my opponents are not emphasizing, and while my opponents look out for the money and their interests, I look out for the people.”
While his age is the topic of much conversation and many questions, the campaign’s focus is education, fiscal conservatism, conservation, health care, youth issues, and faith’s role in government, according to Howard’s website.
A visit to the site also shows the tech-savvy age bracket Howard is targetting. The site includes a number of links to social networking websites like Facebook and MySpace, a blog, and also features a link to YouTube.
Howard says, “Young people are disillusioned these days, especially with government. I am in a unique position to inspire them to have confidence in their system of governance, and to have the courage to achieve their dreams right here in Ohio.”
In fact, Howard’s site just may give voters a glimpse into the future of politics with it’s heavy use of alternative and new media. “Although I want to represent all citizens, reaching out to my generation is of great importance to me,” Howard said.
James E. Howard is a Beavercreek native and has been a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fairborn for the past 11 years. He graduated in 2007 from Beavercreek High School and currently attends Wittenberg University in Springfield as a political science major. At church he works actively with the Alley Youth Group.
Outside of politics, Howard was a member of the Beavercreek tennis team for four years and now continues in that role at Wittenberg. Howard also says he enjoys going to the gun range, camping, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Visit the candidate’s website at www.howardforohio.com.
Story by staff. Based on a contribution by David Donofrio, Howard Campaign.
Sources:James E. Howard campaign, Howard campaign website. C-BR20080126-01
