Sneak preview: Las Vegas teens, some too young to vote, peek into the Democratic nomination process

By Mike Zigler

From their perch atop the gymnasium bleachers, a dozen or so Valley High School students peered down on a Democratic frenzy. Mariachis paraded 2,800 people into the school's auditorium, and a handful of state politicians decorated a riser at center court. While most local leaders hardly generated interest among the students, one state assemblyman did garner a chuckle.

"Is there a Democrat in the house?" Richard Perkins twice yelled, provoking the teens to snicker.

While Perkins warmed the largely middle-aged crowd, the teenage group anxiously awaited the arrival of the night's honorary guest: presidential hopeful Sen. John Kerry.

"We're excited," 18-year-old Cynthia Perez said. "It means a lot to us, especially us seniors, to have him come to our school."

Two Las Vegas high schools were the stage of political events last weekend -- Kerry's Feb. 13 rally at Valley High and Clark County's precinct caucuses at Chaparral High the following morning.

At both events, most students CityLife caught up with couldn't participate in the caucuses. However, that was no excuse for many to miss the action and Kerry's message.

The Massachusetts senator grazed over a number of issues at the rally. Among them -- the economy, health care, Iraq and problematic teens.

"When I was a prosecutor, I used to talk to these kids who were 15, 16, 17 years old," Kerry said, eliciting screams and applause from youths in the crowd.

"But they weren't you," he continued, stirring laughter. "They were the kids who were in trouble -- unless you're going to own up to something today."

Kerry explained that he wanted to focus on reforming America's troubled teens, rather than imprisoning them. It was a sentiment that resonated with Daniel Hollender.

"I liked Kerry's idea of getting kids back into the communities for less money than what it costs to lock them up," Hollender said.

While Dawrin Mota, 17, wished Kerry addressed immigration more, he took interest in what Kerry had to say about Iraq. Active in the Army, Mota said America needs a leader who not just controls the troops but relates to them.

"I would rather fight under Kerry's command than Bush's because Bush doesn't understand exactly what an intense decision it is to join the armed forces, nor does he understand the magnitude of the 500-plus soldiers who have lost their lives in Iraq," Mota said, questioning Bush's service in the National Guard.

"People deserve an understanding."

Aware that 19 is the average age of a soldier, a cast of supporting friends seconded Mota.

Over at Chaparral, 18-year-old Erica Kahr stood excited to take part in the caucuses. Noting her support for John Edwards, Kahr said: "I think he's a good public speaker, but I'm also being contrary because my mom is supporting Kerry."

"I'm just happy she's taking an interest in the democratic process," her mother, Ann, responded.

Four Green Valley High School students weren't old enough to participate, but still felt it necessary to show up for the 10 a.m. caucuses. Involved with their school's Young Democrats Club, Sarah Giampa and Liz Israel, both 16, said age isn't an obstacle in learning about their community and politics.

"In two years I'm going to be able to vote, and I need to know what's going on," Israel said.

The quartet of friends admitted that the morning seemed confusing and unorganized. And their opinions weren't off the mark. State Democrats apparently underestimated the enthusiasm of their own party, as more than 6,000 people showed up (less than 700 participated in 2000). The fire marshal ordered party officials to move the event from Chaparral's gymnasium to the football field.

Kerry tallied 63 percent of the statewide vote, with Howard Dean a distant second at 17 percent.

The Green Valley students were torn between Edwards and Kerry, but as Ryan Foley and Brittany Bowerman agreed: "It's all about beating George Bush."

Mike Zigler is a CityLife staff writer. He can be reached at 702-871-6780 ext. 306 or zigler@lvpress.com.