WCHS Student An Indiana Republican Convention Delegate
Posted
Jennifer Peryam-jperyam@timesuniononline.com
Austin Brenneman had the experience recently of serving as a delegate to the Indiana Republican Convention in Indianapolis.
The convention was June 2 at the statehouse in Indianapolis.
Brenneman, 18, will be a senior at Warsaw Community High School this fall.To qualify to be a delegate, he went to the Indiana Republican Web site where he filled out forms and turned the information into the clerk's office at the Kosciusko County Justice Building.
"Ron Paul peaked my interest in politics, and I wanted to get involved in politics by becoming a delegate," Brenneman said.
He said, during the convention, there was a caucus for nine Congressional districts. The state convention is every two years.
During the caucus, the delegates voted on the party platform. He said there were more than 1,900 delegates at the convention.
Tony Bennett was nominated during the caucus to replace Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Suellen Reed. Reed announced in May she is not seeking for another term.
The caucus was to choose delegates to go to the National Convention in September in Minnesota. Brenneman voted in the District 3 caucus.
A committee selected a slate of delegates previous to the convention they recommended the delegates vote on.
"If we voted against a slate, we were not voting against the candidates, but the process because we were not given an opportunity to nominate our own candidates," Brenneman said.
The Kosciusko County Republican Party paid for Brenneman's fees to serve as a delegate.
Kosciusko County GOP Chairman Aaron Rovenstine said he was glad Brenneman had an opportunity to attend the convention and serve as a delegate.
"It was a great opportunity for Austin to be a part of the convention, and we always encourage young people to get involved in politics," Rovenstine said.
Brenneman said serving as a delegate was a rewarding and educational experience.
"In today's times with the looming recession, it is important for young people to get involved in politics because if we want change, we need to get involved," Brenneman said.
While he was at the convention he heard Governor Mitch Daniels speak and met Attorney General Steve Carter.
He said he plans to serve as a delegate again and continue his interest in politics.
Brenneman's father Jim said he is proud of his son.
"I am proud of him because he has demonstrated a great level of maturity by serving as a delegate," Jim said.
