IU Sophomore a Lock(hart) for Political Success

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Patrick Lockhart of Indiana University Campaigning for State Rep-91

By Scottie Thomas

Many college students spend their time attending classes, studying, possibly working a job and balancing a social life in the midst of their academic endeavors.  One, Patrick Lockhart, a sophomore at Indiana University is doing that and more.  He is running for State Representative for 91 at the age of 20.

Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, Lockhart attended Roncalli High School and graduated in 2012.  ‘Indiana is a wonderful state. I definitely plan on staying here. After my run for office or service at the statehouse is complete, I want to focus on finishing school and settling down,’ said Lockhart.

‘I honestly chose IU because I wanted to attend a bigger school where I could really get to experience diversity,’ said Lockhart.  ‘Fortunately, I also got a good scholarship to here, and my brother was a Hoosier at the time. It was an obvious choice. I’m majoring in Political Science, with plans of attending law school after graduation.’

A State Representative has a relatively simple job; listen to the concerns of their constituents, take care of local issues through legislative action, and find resources to help the district become as successful as possible. They are elected as most elected officials are, first through a primary race and then are again voted on in the general election.

His decision to run came when Lockhart attempted to contact his legislator and didn’t get any answer from the individual.  At that point Lockhart basically decided that enough was enough. Politics as an institution is completely dysfunctional.

‘On top of that, my generation is going to inherit all of the problems that are being created- or not being addressed that exists today.  We cannot afford to wait to get involved in this system,’ said Lockhart.  ‘A common trait among the younger politicians, such as myself, is fatigue with party politics. Instead of putting labels on groups, legislation, or ideas, we are committed to finding real solutions and putting people over party. We don’t have enough of this in the Indiana Statehouse’

Using the methods of social media and modern resources in technology, Lockhart has his own website: www.lockhartfor91.com and people may follow the candidate for Indiana on Twitter @PatLockhart for his campaign trail including appearances and fundraising.

‘I’ve discovered that fundraising, though an entirely essential part of a campaign is an art that needs to be mastered. I’m learning it as I go, yet it has been much more difficult than I anticipated,’ said Lockhart.  ‘Fortunately, I have gotten an overwhelmingly amount of positive responses to my run for office. I was lucky enough to get an article written on my campaign by CNN in the wake of the shutdown.’

‘I would honestly have to say that the most interesting people I have met thus far are the local leaders throughout the district. They are members of Civic Councils and Education Boards, owners of small businesses and active members of their community. They are the public servants who really inspire me in my run for office,’ said Lockhart.  ‘Next, though, I would like to meet with other like-minded leaders, who are sick of the way things are and want to bring back effective government at all levels.’

This young man has the drive, ambition and composure to succeed in politics.  ‘I would encourage all young people to take action to change the things they don’t like, at whatever level that is,’ said Lockhart.  ‘We certainly do have a voice and we can certainly make it heard if we put our minds to it.’

 

12 COMMENTS

  1. Awesome story to read to start my week off right. Youth-inspiring in politics is amazing to hear about. Good luck Patrick!

  2. Great to see young people involved. Where is the district he is running and what party?

  3. Good luck to you! Just remember, 1L year is a wild ride, if you win that House seat, you will probably have to choose one or the other.

  4. They could use some fresh blood in there. The old angry christians can only make us look like Alabama and not get anything of value accomplished.

    • Indiana already looks like Alabama and RTW had nothing to do with it. Low wages, poor performance of public schools, crumbing infrastructure are a legacy for Midwestern cities that have followed in Detroit’s footsteps. It’s not about RTW, it is about ambition and competence. Quite frankly, Alabama is doing better than Indiana in the last 20 – 30 years. That is all about RTW in Alabama way back when. Your hate and prejudice blinds you to unbiased statistics. Your hate for elderly white people and Christians is just plain disgusting.

      • Thank you. Everyone’s views should be respected. The “no-hate” slogan goes for both sides. No need to make ourselves just as hateful as others.

    • Is it just old angry Christians or all Christians that you hate? White Christians or any race of Christians? Or is it just Christians?

      • I don’t hate christians, I hate using religion as an excuse for discrimination. I also hate theocracy. Gay marriage is illegal because of religion. Women going out in public without a male family member or husband is illegal because of religion in Iran. Where do we draw the line? If you want a theocracy please move to another country.

  5. It’s always great to see the under 30 group getting more involved in shaping their community through politics. We have several young men in our community that are inspiring because of their dedication to our local politics. Kudos to Brad Linzy, Jordan Baer, Blake Meny, Cody Morris, Ian Hauer, Phillip Schulz, Alan Rossi and any others of the young men that I may have missed.

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