Teen GOP club aiming to make a difference

HIGHLAND — Strong political persuasions? Check.

Informed on the issues? Check.

Right to vote? Well . . .

A group of teenagers from Highland, Alpine and Cedar Hills have come together to form a chapter of the Teenage Republicans, a national organization that is dedicated to educating young people about politics and enlisting their help in Republican causes at an early age.

"Most teenagers are far more interested in politics than we give them credit for," said Dan Taggart, state director of Republican Youth Leadership Development and club advisor. "They're informed, they watch the news, and they're concerned about what happens."

Club president Brittney Taggart said the idea for the club came from her father, but she and her friends looked into forming the club and then made it a reality.

"Because I can't vote, I'd like to influence those around me to vote like I would, because that can be even stronger than my one vote," said Taggart, a high school junior.

Since its first meeting last month, the club has gone from its six founding members to about two dozen. Taggart said growth has been a little slower than she would like, mainly because students have so many other responsibilities.

One of the club's primary goals is to help candidates who will be aiming to unseat Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, whose 2nd District seat includes Highland, Alpine and part of Cedar Hills.

"We don't think Matheson is a bad person in any way," Taggart said. "About 60 percent of the time, he votes Republican. I just think, why settle for 60 percent when you can have a guy who will vote that way 100 percent of the time? That's like settling for a D when you could have an A."

A Matheson spokeswoman said the congressman makes his decisions based on what's best for Utah, not along party lines.

"He's very proud of the fact that he approaches his job from a bipartisan position," spokeswoman Alyson Heyrend said. "He's very proud of the fact that many Republicans, Independents and Democrats support him in his elections every time he runs."

In the bigger picture, the club hopes to aid in the political process by organizing voter registration drives, get-out-the-vote campaigns and helping at neighborhood caucus meetings and party conventions this spring.