Let me summarize the Kentucky Democrats – they care about young leaders and they support them – other State Democratic Party Orgs and Dem officials should follow Kentucky’s lead. The Kentucky Young Democrats organization is a model for professionalism, team-oriented leadership and diversity. YDA needs them. I spent a good amount of time letting Kentuckians know how much YDA could benefit from their leadership, passion for change and ideas.

Any discussion on the future of energy policy in the United States and the environment should include Kentucky. In my conversations with Congressman Ben Chandler and Young Dems leaders, it is clear they want to lead the way.

On Friday, March 27th, I attended a fun event at the Children’s Theater in Lexington with guest speaker Valerie Biden-Owens, a political campaign veteran who reminds me of Michigan DNC Member Debbie Dingell. She is tough, outspoken and candid and a serious spokesperson for shattering the glass ceiling. (She is the self-proclaimed Vice-Sister) Biden-Owens directed her brother’s successful runs for US Senate. His first win was when he was 29 years old.

We also got a detailed presentation from Lt. Governor Dan Mongiardo – with specific policy recommendations about improving Kentucky’s economy through support of Adventure trails and Health care internet technology and research. The Lt. Governor is running for US Senate.

And the buzz around the convention was that Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway is running too. He has not announced yet. I got to meet Conway on Saturday. Conway urged the Kentucky Democratic Party to do more with Young Dems. He believes the Young Dems with their skill and talents could do more with the voter file over the next five years than simply outsourcing that work to political consultants in other states. Conway is around 40 yrs old. Here we go with another interesting Dem primary battle.

I think the new KDP Chair Charlie Moore would be receptive to Conway’s suggestion. Moore says his first initiatives as KDP Chair will include youth initiatives including supporting Young Dem candidates.

The Kentucky Young Dems are led by Chad Aull. Chad is clearly well respected across the state and fully committed to supporting and helping charter new Young Dem chapters. Under his leadership, his state organization is functioning at a high level and has participation from numerous counties.

Another key leader in the state is Colmon Eldridge who put his Fayette County Young Dem chapter on full display. I would argue their county chapter could go head up with most state chapters across this country. Colmon was quick to acknowledge his team on several occasions. http://fayetteyoungdems.wordpress.com/

Colmon, like Chad, holds a key leadership position on the staff of Kentucky Governor Beshear. Colmon was the first appointment made by Governor Beshear and is his executive assistant. Glad to see the Governor embracing and including Young Democrats. In some states, Dems don’t embrace their young democrats. They fear them. Kentucky Dems get it. They are building a Party. They are not worried about losing control!

I received a tutorial on Kentucky Democratic politics from Lisa Tanner, political consultant and Young Dem, who played a key role in Bashear’s 2007 victory. She is a change agent and will bring more change to Kentucky for decades to come.

At all levels, the Kentucky Young Dems are doing it real big. Hillary Bullock and other high school students are providing leadership. High School organizer Halyn Roth is helping Jim Holbert run for Congress in Kentucky’s Fifth. (Jim is a big-time advocate of the EFCA . . folks should take a look at him) College students were in full effect from WKU and other campuses.

Another Young Dem John Waltz (originally from Kalamazoo, MI), a disabled veteran, is running for Congress in the 2nd. I had a good talk with him about pushing key issues through YDA Veterans and Military Affairs Caucus.

(Final Four Time –Out)

Representing YDA, I recently visited Kansas and now Kentucky . .Michigan State Univ. beat both Kansas and Louisville on the way to the Final Four . . . maybe I should make a quick visit to North Carolina and Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Final Four is in Detroit!!! I’m hyped like Dick Vitale! They love the college hoops in Kentucky just like Kansas - Horses, Trails, Hoops, Coal . .dense limestone and of course bourbon were big topics. (bourbon is named for Bourbon County in Kentucky)

Kentucky Dems are deeply committed to changing America. I look forward learning from them as they participate in the debate on new energy policy and get more involved in the national level in YDA.

I predict they will play a role in almost every caucus in YDA. From Rural, to Minority Caucus, to disability issues, college caucus, high school, Veterans and Military Affairs and on and on – they are developing a generation of leaders that will impact Kentucky and the national scene for years to come. Like Man O War’s impact on racing, KYD will impact YDA. Just watch history play out!

My last shout out goes to Walker (KYD Communications) for all the technological wows and woos during the convention held at the majestic Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.

I have some questions for all of you as I sit here in Detroit thinking about my trip to Kentucky . .

Who would win a primary between Kentucky's Lt. Governor and AG? Dan vs. Jack?

Who is going to win the final four?

What should our US energy policy include?

Who wants to be a national delegate to the YDA Convention and what does that mean?

Who is the greatest horse of all time?

Who is the most famous Kentucky Young Democrat of all time?

Learn more about YDA Presidential Candidate Crystal Strait and our team at www.ydaworks.com