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St. Cloud State University
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Local democrats return from Boston
By Derek Sullivan
Published:
Thursday, August 5, 2004
An SCSU sophomore proved students are not too young to make a difference in American politics.
Jessica Ringwelski, of Little Falls, attended the National Democratic Convention conducted July 26-29 at the Fleet Center in Boston, Mass.
The DFL party of Minnesota elected Ringwelski May 22 at its State Convention in Duluth.
Ringwelski faced major odds in her attempt to become a delegate.
Three thousand Minnesota residents attended the convention hoping to be elected. DFL Chair Mike Erlandson said Ringwelski used her optimism to earn an invitation.
"She clearly has a lot of positive energy," Erlandson said. "She is articulate. She excited other people to vote for her because of the energy that she possesses, and because of her commitment to Democrats in (Little Falls)."
Ringwelski attended the 2004 National Convention with her parents, James and Joyce Ringwelski.
"We used the event as a vacation," Ringwelski said.
When the sophomore arrived in Boston, she found out that she was the youngest delegate from Minnesota. Ringwelski said being a teenager did not pose a problem.
"I didn't feel uncomfortable at any time," Ringwelski said. "(Fellow delegates) respected me and they know how if you attend meetings and are active in the community, that you can go places."
Ringwelski's day began at 7:30 a.m. (EST) with a breakfast sponsored by former Vice-President and Democratic Presidential nominee Walter Mondale. After the breakfast, she attended meetings to discuss important issues.
Ringwelski addressed the issues of education, health care and defending our country.
"Education is important as I am a student," Ringwelski said. "My mom is a critical nurse, so health care is very important, and my father is a Vietnam Vet."
While attending meetings, Ringwelski met several political leaders. Along with Mondale, the sophomore met New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, Rev. Al Sharpton, Minnesota Sen. Mark Dayton and long-time Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy.
"I got back to the convention early to get a good seat and talk to members of Congress," Ringwelski said. "I would ask them how they got where they are today."
Along with speaking on the many issues in the 2004 election, Ringwelski hopes to get people involved in politics. She works with volunteers interested in supporting the party and finds jobs that fit their needs, regardless of their background.
"I am an affirmative action officer," Ringwelski said. "I want people of all races and ages to be involved in the political process, so no one is shut out. So every one has a voice and everyone has their issues on the table to vote."
The job of a delegate does not end when the party nominates a presidential candidate.
"Each delegate is a party leader in their own part of the (Minnesota)," Erlandson said. "They have to pick up the positive energy they get from the convention, and education they learn about the candidates, the candidate's message, and then take it back and be the surrogate messenger."
Ringwelski plans to vote in Little Falls� eighth district, but still plans to volunteer for the Patty Wetterling (DFL-St. Joseph) in her congressional campaign against Mark Kennedy (R-Watertown), to take place in St. Cloud's sixth congressional district.
Ringwelski returns to SCSU this fall to continue studying environmental engineering and political science.
The sophomore had to impress a lot of people to get to Boston. The DFL party realizes the importance of young, energetic people, hard-working people like Ringwelski.
"She worked hard to get (to Boston) and she will work hard up to November," Erlandson said. "People like Jessica will be the difference in John Kerry defeating George Bush."
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