Fine Young (pro-CCW) Democrats
Derrick Seaver (D - 78), 20, is running for re-election after the Auglaize County man became the youngest person to become an Ohio legislator when he took office two years ago. He is a proven pro-Concealed Cary Reform voter, and OFCC PAC has endorsed his candidacy.
At 18, Kenneth Bailey (D) is trying to become a state legislator. He graduated from Norwalk High School in May, and now he campaigns from sunup to well past sundown in the 58th District. He is one of three Statehouse candidates on the November ballot who are under age 21.
Yes, these guys know they’re young.
So young that this is the first election in which Mr. Bailey can vote. None of the three candidates can legally drink. Mr. Bailey lives at home, and his parents help run his campaign.
But they're not too young to understand the Constitution. Both Seaver and Bailey support the right of Ohioans to carry concealed weapons for self-defense, as recognized in Ohio's constitution.
Political experts and Mr. Bailey himself said the door was opened to young candidates by Mr. Seaver, who made national news by winning his race in 2000.
"The fact that he won a seat as a Democrat that everyone expected a Republican to win suggested this model could be one that would work again," said Herb Asher, a political science professor from Ohio State University.
Mr. Seaver said age hasn’t been an issue for him as a state legislator, and that after he was elected it didn’t come up much at all. He shrugs off the notion he’s a role model.
"I don’t know about that. I wouldn’t use those words. But it can be done. The message I try to get out is, ‘Get out there and go for it,’" he said.
Term limits have helped push these young candidates into the race. Mr. Seaver said he probably wouldn’t have run against a seasoned incumbent, but when the legislator in his district had to leave because of term limits, he saw it as a chance to run against a candidate he considers his equal. Mr. Bailey agreed.
Commentary by Chad D. Baus:
Whether Bailey will be successful, as Seaver was, will be seen Nov. 5. But the facts are clear - no matter what party, candidates who support conservative issues like Concealed Carry Reform can win, whether an "R" or a "D" appears behind their name. The OFCC PAC welcomes such young Constitutionalists to the debate.
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