Hoyer Meets With Young Democratic Leaders

Washington, DC – Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD) today met with leaders of the Young Democrats of America (YDA) and the College Democrats of America (CDA) to strategize about the best ways to enhance youth involvement in politics. Hoyer encouraged members to work collaboratively with local party officials and Democratic candidates to build on the turnout successes of the 2004 elections.

Hoyer, a former Maryland YDA President, understands the importance of engaging young people in the political process and said young voters have an unprecedented opportunity to make a difference at the ballot box in upcoming elections. In the 2004 Presidential race, turnout among voters under 30 was up by 4.6 million from 2000. "It is critical that we sustain the momentum generated in the last election," Hoyer said. "Young voters are energized, organized and a force in our election process. We must reach out and listen to them."

Today's meeting was a part of Hoyer's ongoing national outreach to young Democratic leaders. In the last three months, he has met with members of the YDA/CDA from Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Illinois and South Dakota. In addition, the inaugural edition of "Steny Hoyer Quarterly Report to Young Democrats" was recently e-mailed to over 400 young Democratic leaders in 38 states.

Also attending were Jane Fleming, Executive Director of YDA, Grant Woodard, President of the CDA, Jayson Williams, President of the Maryland Young Democrats, and Stephanie Hauser, President of the Maryland College Democrats. "I was very impressed with the action plans of these young Democrats," Hoyer said. "They are clearly the future leaders of our party and our country."

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