Staff Writer
LINNEUS — A local student got a first-hand look at America’s political processes recently.
Jordan McGuire, the son of Brent and Shellby McGuire of Linneus, traveled to Manchester, N.H. on Jan. 6, volunteering his time to work with the Mitt Romney campaign. 
“It was a fun experience,” said McGuire. “I had signed up for updates at the Romney Web site, and I got an e-mail from the regional director of the Romney campaign, soliciting for volunteers. So, I signed up.”
In preparation for the Jan. 8 New Hampshire primary, McGuire traveled to Manchester with Jon Stormer, one of his teachers at Greater Houlton Christian Academy. McGuire, Stormer and scores of other volunteers worked that day to help spread the word on Romney’s campaign.
“When we showed up at the campaign’s Manchester headquarters, they put us on the phones. They gave us lists and we called people in support of Gov. Romney,” he explained.
McGuire and Stormer even gained some recognition for their efforts at the phones.
“While we were on the phones calling people, they [campaign organizers] told us they were going to do a competition, table by table, and whoever made the most calls won. And our table of two people managed to beat out every other table in the room,” explains McGuire with a grin.
After spending some time on the phone, the local duo also canvassed different neighborhoods with a group of other volunteers to circulate information on their candidate.
McGuire, 17, says he enjoyed being able to participate in the campaign.
“I decided to volunteer because of my interest in politics in general, the Romney campaign and because of the issues at stake,” he said. “I felt glad that I was able to get involved.”
His teacher, Jon Stormer, shared similar feelings.
“It was a good feeling to get involved with our country and seeing all the people involved in the political process,” said Stormer. “It gives you a good sense of duty and responsibility. It enlightens you and broadens your perspective. You start realizing all the work that’s involved in a campaign.”
A senior at GHCA, McGuire said his interest in politics was piqued when he “picked up a copy of the Limbaugh letter that had been laying around the house.” He said after high school graduation, he’s planning to pursue a degree in either political science or government; he’s also thinking of going on to law school.
This isn’t the first political effort McGuire has helped with; he’s also worked with several local political figures, as well. And even though he’s only just starting to dabble in politics, McGuire seems focused on the issues at hand.
“I would say its important for people to be active in the political process because of the issues involved and because of what’s at stake now,” he said. “We are fighting a war on terror; we have insufficient border security, and we face an activist judiciary. I believe that all of these pose a threat to our national security and well being.”
