Live Blog with Donald Betts Jr.: The People's Candidate

There is a saying, "get in where you fit in". My first year in the Kansas house, was different, we had roughly seven members under thirty elected that year, and we called ourselves, the "kiddie caucus". We joined hands on legislation, and were able to get noticed as a block. There were organizations like the American Council of Young Political leaders, and the Young Elected Officials Network, that help to give me a broader perspective on how other YEO's were feeling. It gave us a chance to vent, and make each other strong.

The advice I would offer to young canidates would be to allow your passion, determination and vision to lead you. Don't allow anyone to tell you what you can not do, show them what you can do. The old guard has been known to set up walls and barriers. My philosophy is that if I come to a wall, and can't go over it , around it, or under it, I will go right through it. It is our time to lead, it is our future we're fighting for, so let's fight for it!

Older members treated me with high respect in the House. The House of Representatives is the peoples house. Nevertheless, there were still restraints as to how far I could spread my wings. With 125 members fighting for various positions of power, legislation, and policy it gets frustrating, however, we must remember that it is still politics. The treatment I received during my first year in the Kansas Senate, however, was a real reality check.

I serve as the ranking member of the Senate Elections and Local Government committee. I fought for years to make the elections process, one that increases voter turnout, only to find that I'm fight against Senator that want to make the process more difficult. Can you believe that, after the struggles in years past? Well believe it. I give high congrats to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius for her veto on yet another voter I.D. bill. I refused to sign the conference committee report and voted against the bill. To answer your question, yes, yes, and yes!

The Young Elected Officials Network is an amazing concept. I was part of the first class. We met in Washington, D.C., where we were greeted by members of congress and addressed by policy experts across the country. What was most impressive was the opportunity to meet young elected's like myself. I mean you couldn't imagine the feeling I felt to see other young visionaries in one room together. It was beautiful! My soul was refreshed and renewed all at the same time, my passion to work harder was full of fire, because I felt like I was part of an army of future leaders. I really think Oprah or someone should have a special on the YEO's. This organization is the wave of the future, literally. www.betts4congress.com

You are very welcome! If I can become a Senator, having been educated in the public school system, and my friends who are now doctors and lawyers who are also products of the public school system then it is imperative that we continue to support public schools. If it weren't for my pricipals, teachers and counselors, I would not have made it this far. I remember all of there names, and still keep in close contact with many of them even though they've retired. These educators prevented me from being another statistic. Even though I was poor, and couldn't afford a "private" education, my teachers always treated me like mountain mover. The public school system is the bedrock of America. Yes there are always improvements, but if someone really wants to learn and achieve greatness they will. I graduated from the Advanced Technologies Academy in Las Vegas, NV., the A-Tech Mavricks (check them out). www.bettsforcongress.com

Thank you for your question Mandy.

My age and experience has helped me to inform my colleagues of issues that concern this generation. I often find that local leaders, are hesitant to approach me because I 'm part of that old guard, and the old ways of doing things, my ideas are more progressive, and inclusive. The leaders that do invite me to the table for a one-on-one, they find my youth to be an asset, and that I'm not just young and dumb, but I'm a smart intelligent visionary, ready to inspire change in the public interest. A change that inspires other young people to get engaged, excited and motivated about the political process.

Young people are employed, volunteering, and advocating for my campaign. I will tell you however, my campaign manager is 72 years old, a seasoned expert having run the campaign for former Congressman Dan Glickman, a former newspaper reporter and college instructor. So, we have an equal-opportunity campaign