Keeping an eye on the future

Claire Lettow is working hard to make a difference in politics. She's the state chair for the Freedom's Answer group, which encourages people to vote, and she has organized a group that encourages young people to get involved with political campaigns.

Now, if she could only vote herself.

Lettow is only 17, and even though she can't cast a ballot this November, she helps destroy any stereotypes people might have about young people and apathetic approaches to politics. This week, she's in Cleveland for the national Freedom's Answer meeting, and next week, she'll spend time in Washington, D.C., for the Girls Nation program.

"Honestly, my interest in politics began around my sophomore year, but just recently I've really gotten involved," Lettow said. "Politics is an avenue I see my life taking me down, because you really can make a difference. By passing laws, you have a responsibility to the community. I like that. I just wish I could vote in this election. The U.S. Senate race is one of the biggest races Alaska has seen."

Lettow is going to be a senior at Wasilla High School, where she is the student body president. She hopes her elected position isn't her last.

"After I graduate from college I see myself running for office in some capacity," she said from Cleveland Wednesday afternoon. "Ultimately, I want to run for the U.S. Senate."

Lettow was selected to attend Girls Nation after her time spent at Girls State, a program sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary. Girls -- like boys at Boys State -- set up a government, with elected leaders and two bodies of legislators.

They write bills, debate them and vote on them exactly as elected officials do in real life. From all of the participants statewide, two were chosen to go to Girls Nation as representatives of Alaska. Lettow and Margo Owens of Fairbanks are this year's Alaska delegates.

There, the girls will caucus, organize committees and conduct hearings on bills. They will also have the opportunity to visit national monuments and historical spots.

"It will be a lot of fun," Lettow said.

Girls State, Girls Nation and Freedom's Answer are not Lettow's only forays into the political arena. While only 17, she also has found time to organize a local chapter of the Junior Statesmen of America group.

"It focuses on getting high-school students engaged in community politics, like volunteering for campaigns and holding debates," she said. "It's nonpartisan. Students pick a campaign they like and identify with, regardless of the party affiliation."

She worked with another student, Nick Wells of Dimond, to form the organization at WHS and at Dimond High School.

"It's all about government," she said.

Lettow isn't 100-percent sure about her college choice yet, but she has plenty of time.

"I know I'm going to school in the Boston area because I have family there and there are lots of opportunities because there are lots of universities," Lettow said. "Plus, there are lots of opportunities for internships. I want to study business administration and management and minor in political science."