A New Start for Young Conservatives

After the youth vote became a huge story in November, one group of young conservatives wants to make it clear that not everyone under 40 is for Obama.Several hundred of those conservatives gathered in a ballroom at the Conservative Political Action Conference for the official launch of the Young Conservative Coaltion. Attendees wore brigh orange stickers declaring, “It’s our turn” as coalition leaders unveiled a new internet-video campaign and began a brainstorming session to generate ideas that will be carried to the Republican Party and the conservative community.The speakers—including leaders of young conservative organizations and established politicians—railed againt the recent increase in government spending.”I can’t believe there are so many young people who don’t know they’re the ones who are going to pay this,” said Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) to his young audience. “It’s so encouraging for me to see you connecting the dots.”The YCC, said president Christopher N. Malagisi, is intended to answer the questions of what it means to be a conservative today and who will lead the next generation of conservatives. Charter members of the group have already gathered together to create what they have dubbed the “Lake Anna Declaration,” and attendees at today’s session were asked to fill write down their ideas to include in an open letter to be presented to the wider conservative community. The group is also planning to hold meetings across the country to include a wide breadth of ideas.The kick-off session also included the unveiling of the group’s first web video.