Dubuque Man Could be Youngest Republican Delegate

By Katie Wiedemann, Reporter

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By Katie Wiedemann

Story Created: Aug 8, 2008 at 4:11 PM CST

Story Updated: Aug 8, 2008 at 4:25 PM CST

Dubuque - One of John McCain's youngest supporters will represent Iowa at the Republican National Convention in Minnesota next month.

A Dubuque high school student will do the job.

Mike Knopf is proud of his skills as a football player for Dubuque Senior High School.

He's even more proud of his new-to-him Chevy Camaro.

Pam Knopf, Mike’s Mom, said, "Mike's always been fondest of the activities that impress the girl.”

But what he's doing now, could be considered impressive by anyone's standards.
He beat out several, older, more experienced candidates to represent Iowa at the Republican National Convention next month.
At age 17, right now, he's not even old enough to vote.

Mike Knopf said, "The election is the first Tuesday of November and my birthday is on Halloween."
Making him likely to be the youngest delegate at the convention.

His parents say he starting showing an interest in politics at age 12. When most kids were playing with video games, he was attending political rallies.

Pam said, "What is most important to us is getting to see him have the great experiences because you know youth is only a little while."

The young man already knows how to sell himself.

Mike said, "Putting a new face with an old party. Because, we've got, don't get me wrong, all these old people and they do a great job and they have for 20,30,40 years but it you want to keep a party strong the key is you have to renew your people."

He's thinking well past his senior year of high school. Choosing a college, and setting career goals for himself.

Mike said, "I am not saying I want to be the president or anything which would be amazing, but I ultimately want to be a Senator or a Governor."

This is the face of future politics, a life-long career, starting right now.

Next Article Steel Rising From The Ground at Cedar Rapids’ New Convention Center

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