To those who don’t know him, he would appear to be an average Ohio State student. He is a member of the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity, he is a big sports fan – especially hockey, and he has even built his own computer network. But Michael Carleton, a junior in history and political science, is no ordinary student. He is the president of the OSU College Republicans and has been working hard in preparation for the upcoming November election. “Presently, I work a good 60-70 hours a week promoting the Republican Party,” Carleton said. The OSU College Republicans, with 60 active members and 200 others on their mailing list, have co-sponsored Project Vote 2000 on campus. “We help get grassroots going for campaigns,” said Carleton as he and fellow club members ate pizza and watched “Billy Madison” while they stuffed envelopes. Carleton, 21, has been interested in politics his entire life. The son of James and Norma Carleton of Tipp City gives credit to his parents for much of his success as a young leader. Carleton said his father, an environmental engineer, is a significant influence in his life. “He is the one that gave me everything that I have. He taught me to be an honest person,” Carleton said. “To do things with compassion.”Aside from his father, Carleton considers one of the greatest mentors in his life to be one of his fraternity brothers at Alpha Sigma Phi, Greg Ghirardi. While laughing, Carleton recounted how he and Ghirardi had one major difference. Ghirardi is a Democrat. “He made me stand back and really think about why I felt I was right and why I feel the way that I do.” Carelton said. Ghirardi helped Carleton confirm his own political beliefs and foundations as preparing him to be a better leader.”Personally, I don’t care who you vote for, just as long as you vote,” Carleton said. He has one great political pet peeve. “People who don’t vote but still complain about the government.”Carleton feels strongly about young voters having a significant impact on this year’s election. “Issues such as health care, tax reform–these are big issues,” Carleton said.According to Carleton, college students should be concerned about the future, especially since 65 percent of college graduates will work for small businesses.”We have registered 2,700 voters on campus this fall,” Carleton said. He predicts further success with voter registration in the weeks to come. “These activities have been great tools in politics,” state Sen. Larry Mumper (R-Marion) said. “They help state and local governments campaign.” Since the average age of those involved in politics increases year-after-year, Mumper said, “We need to attract more younger Republicans.” Carleton and others like him are doing just that.”They put their pants on just like you,” Carleton said of politicians, who are still just people, famous or not. He also emphasizes the importance of listening to the issues rather than their appearance. “I vote for the better person,” Carelton said. “If they are a Republican, I usually share the same morals and views as they do.”Today’s voters whose ages range between18-29, will have a big impact on this election, explained Mumper, a high school science teacher for 30 years and an active public servant since 1991. He felt today’s youth are interested in social security, health care and education.Carleton and the OSU College Republicans have also worked with five Franklin County campaigns: Bill Schuck for county commissioner, Rob Montgomery for recorder, Dennis Thomas for sheriff, Jim Hughes and Geoff Smith for state representatives. Carleton said they will also be working to help elect U.S. House of Representatives candidate Pat Tiberi. Their “grassroots” campaigning has not gone unnoticed.Mumper thinks the work of Michael Carleton and other young leaders is “absolutely terrific.” According to Mumper, the ability for a college-age student to relate to a fellow student is much better than the relationship between college students and older citizens.Carleton is a busy individual striving hard to be successful. He originally wanted to be a state representative but then learned that the “real heroes” are not those in the spotlight, but people behind the scenes that do the actual work. “I would like to master in law school to become a legislative aide,” Carleton said. “I would fight for what I believe in and show people that it is the right way. We should enforce the laws we have and quit putting more on the books.” Carleton was recently appointed to serve on the Franklin County Republican Central Committee and is very active in his Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity. When he was given a chance to lead the OSU College Republicans, Carleton saw a opportunity to bring a declining club to a new level. He is pleased with the organization and progress of activities this fall. While Carleton spends the majority of his spare time working for the Republican Party, there is plenty of credit to be taken for the success of the club. Carleton, though, doesn’t want any of it. “It means a lot to me to help other members feel like they are making a difference. I am not in this organization for personal gain.”Being involved in the club, members are always in contact with candidates for public office. Carleton feels that this is very important to get contacts for future references. “They meet with the candidates,” Carleton said. “It helps.”