8 - The Michigan Daily - Tuesday, November 5, 1996 ELECTION '96 I Two 'U ' alums use their diplomas to run for office DAMIAN PETRESCU/Daily Visiting faiculty ds Enrique Norten, a Mexican architect and travelling scholar, speaks about his work at Rackham Auditorium last night. Destination: 4 0 JTD Gradute School Whether vou're a first-year student or a senior, hoping to enter graduate or professional school right after graduation or sometime in the future. be sure to attend these CP&P programs. You'll meet experts from a range of disciplines and receive information and advice while exploring Destination: Graduate School..' By Jennifer Harvey Daily Staff Reporter Two recent University graduates did- n't jump right into the work force after graduation. They didn't decide to tour Europe, and they didn't decide to take some time to "find themselves." Harold Ford Jr. and Chris Schmitt started running for political office even before they finished classes. Schmitt, a 24-year-old Republican, graduated in August with degrees in political science and economics. When he completed his studies, he had already been on the campaign trail for several months, although almost acci- dentally. Schmitt said he became a lot more involved than he initially intended. In fact, today he is running as the Republican candidate for state House against incumbent state Rep. Liz Brater (D-Ann Arbor) in Michigan's 53rd dis- trict. "I thought I'd be licking an envelope, and the next thing you know I've been given a forum to get my ideas out to the public and a chance at representing a large group," Schmitt said. The lifelong Michiganian ran unop- posed in the August primary elections, which Schmitt said was a very good thing, because he was rather busy acad- emically at that time. "I had a French candidtE. final right at prima- p A s ry time," he said. Schmitt said he has received "vast .arpid Ford r. amounts of encour- n agement" from the pe : Republican party. ty affation: "They're very ' supportive of get- Cbrls Sehmltt ting young people Rae: Migan involved," Schmitt : said. Patty n The party's sup- 4 aftntation: port has not been monetary, Schmitt said. "I haven't gotten financial sup- port, but I haven't asked for it," he said. Even without much financial sup- port, Schmitt said he wanted to become involved so he could work on real change. Schmitt credits his family for moti- vating his candidacy. He said that after years of being taught by his parents to help others, he is ready for the commit- ment of public service. RItdoesn't matter whether you're 26, 36,46 or 56 - you're still a freshman when you get to (D.C.). - Harold Ford Jr. University alum and candidate MPH + Exploring Graduate School Options In: ePsychology, Social Work & Public Health Tuesday. November 5 5:10-6:30 pm Sponsored with Undergraduate Psychology Society Mi Union Kuenzel Rm "I don't know everything but I have real drive and a lot of energy," Schmitt said. Ford, a 26-year-old Democrat, gradu- ated from the University's Lw School in May. He never expected tobe licking envelopes because he's alreidy done that for years - his father, U.S. Rep. Harold Ford Sr. (D-Tenn.), folds the office for which the younger Ford is now running. The elder Ford is retiring his year from the U.S. House seat he hasheld for the past 22 years. His son seeks to fill his father's shoes. "I've wanted to do this since I was four years old," Ford said. Ford grew up in and around palitics. He has four incles who are either i and presently or fomer- ly elected offidals. Ford said his pcliti- cal family has taught him the .h$ H 5use e.t value of public ser- 6err y vice and instilled in emocrat him the desire to help others. "Public service ate Hoe $eat runs in the blood," Ford said. "I know government is an LSA ally, not an enemy." Ford has plenty of his own experience in Washington. He worked on President Clinton's transition team and on his cam- paign, and as a special assistant to the late Commerce Secretary Ron Brown. He sees his youth as an advantage, Ford said. "I know my history and I recall that the great movements of the past were led by youth," he said. "It's time for our generation to have a voice on the political scene" he said. "It doesn't matter whether you're 26, 36, 46 or 56 - you're still a freshman when you get to (Washington, D.C.)." Ford said he takes his campaign very seriously. He said he has been very committed to it for several months. During his last 15 weeks of Law School, Ford followed a very hectic schedule. He said he would attend class from Monday morning throu Wednesday at noon before driving Detroit Metro Airport. He would then fly home to Tennessee and campaign there for the rest of Wednesday until Sunday - only to fly back to Michigan late on Sunday nights. Ford said he flew home after finish- ing exams and returned for graduation. He then flew back to campaign a few hours later. Many prominent Democrats are standing up in support of Ford. TheR Jesse Jackson and Vice President Gore both campaigned with Ford last weekend. Ford said he is also getting a lot of support from his classmates. He said eight or nine of his Law School class- mates have come to Tennessee to work on his campaign. He said some of his mdergraduate and high school class- nates are also lending helping hands. While at the University, Fq received advice from John Matloci, director of the Office of Academic Muticultural Initiatives and the former campaign manager for Ford's father. Mitlock said that if elected, Ford will be tie second youngest member of Congrss in history and one of a very few mnority members. "He s a very bright young man, very principhd and very likable" Matlock said. "H-'s always willing to help p ple and to go the extra step." Ford has a modest lead in the polls over Reublican candidate Rod DeBerry going into today's election. +Architecture, Urban Planning & Landscape Design Tuesday. November 5 6:10-7:30 pm '1040 Dana Sponsored with SNRE/College of Architecture & Urban Planning eLife Sciences, Physical Sciences & Engineering Wednesday. November 6 6:10-7:30 pm Sponsored with Biology Department & UROP *MBA Programs and Concentrations Wednesday. November 6 6:10-7:30 pm Sponsored with AIESEC MLB Lee. 2 Angell Aud. I) MBA *Political Science, Public Policy & International Affairs Wednesday. November 6 7:10-8:30 pm MI League Sponsored with Undergraduate Political Science Assn. Kalamazoo + Graduate School Information Fair Thursday. November 7 12:00-4:00 pm MI Union + Success Strategies for Graduate School: Roundtable Discussion for Women in Science and Engineering Monday. November 11 5:10-6:30 pen ('&ll Sponsored with Women in Science and Engineering * Law School Application Process Tuesday. November 12 4:10-5:30 pmi CP&P r w M,, WAMMme