Wisconsin's heated political climate prompts young people to get more involved

APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) - More than one million people are expected at the polls for Tuesday's recall primary election. But even those too young to vote are trying to make a difference.

Bryce Gollata, 15, is a member of the newly formed Fox Valley Youth Republican Club.

"It's a really great way to get involved and get started with politics," he said.

It was the club's first meeting Thursday night. The 14 year old  founder said he wanted to encourage more young people to get politically active and make a difference in their community.

"It's your future, it's your country and someday we'll be leading the world," Benji Backer said. "A lot of people want to throw the football around, but I'd rather change our country than throw the football around."

So far, the club has more than 70 members ranging in ages from 10 to 23. They hope to help campaign for area republican candidates. Especially during such a heated political climate in Wisconsin, they feel it's the perfect time to get involved."

"It involves the public school system so it directly involves the teachers, the students and the future of the education system of Wisconsin," Steve Vande Hei, 18, added.

State Rep. Michelle Litjens is happy to see this involvement from such a young crowd.

"Maybe it's going to be this generation of individuals that's going to bring some calm to the political environment because it's a little heated on both sides," she explained. "But these people definitely know what's going on they're paying attention and I know they'll only do positive things in the future."

"We are the future of our state and our country," said Vande Hei. "It starts with us."

The group said Governor Walker is expected to show up at one of its future meetings.