Oct 9, 2008 9:18 pm US/Eastern
Mt. Lebo Teen Passionate About McCain-Palin Ticket
MT. LEBANON (KDKA) ―
When Michael D'Orazio isn't doing homework or in goal for his Blue Devils JV hockey team, the Mount Lebanon freshman is getting out the vote.
At age 14, Michael cannot vote, and is not even old enough to be a card carrying member of the "Young Republicans," but the current presidential contest has fired up this young man's imagination, and he developing a passion for the process. "We're all Americans," Michael says, "And we should pick a candidate and vote - go out and vote."
Michael has picked the McCain-Palin ticket.
"Because he (McCain) has the policies of lowering taxing on small businesses and Americans, that will make our economy stronger," he says.
With a mere month left in the campaign Michael is volunteering every spare moment for the cause at McCain-Palin headquarters in Green Tree. Peter Feldman, Regional Communications Direction for the GOP ticket thinks that Michael's effort, "flies in the face of stereotypes that exist about voter apathy, especially at young ages."
Michael's Mount Lebanon street is a battleground of Obama-McCain yard signs. "I just wanted to have more signs because there were a lot more Obama signs going up - so I just wanted to have competition," says Michael about lobbying his neighbors to put up McCain banners.
Michael's parents are proud of him, but say that they would support his efforts regardless of party choice. "I think it's great that he's gotten involved in the process, Rob D'Orazio says, "Gotten a great understanding of the process, how the election works."
There is a possibility that Michael may be on the greeting committee when Sarah Palin steps off a plane tomorrow for a $1,000-dollar-a-plate fundraiser. What might Michael say if he has a chance to chat? "Well I would say, 'I play hockey too,' and I know she's a hockey mom."
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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