BY NBC17
DURHAM, N.C. – Chelsea Clinton, John Edwards and James Carville are just three of the dozens of speakers at the 80th Young Democrats of North Carolina State Convention.
 
“As someone who is not only a Young Democrat, but also as a young voter and young woman, I passionately support my mom and what our party is trying to do,” Clinton said.
 
John Edwards also took the stage to speak to the youth but he did not say which candidate he would support.

“Over and over I have seen young people lead. Leading in civil rights, leading in the war in Vietnam and I see it in the war in Iraq,” Edwards said.
 
The room filled with hundreds of young Democrats aged 18 to 35. Democratic strategist, and television personality, James Carville said that over 12 to 14 percent of voters are in that age group, but he said that in this year’s election that number of young voters will increase.
 
“Once a person votes twice for a party they are 75 percent more likely to vote for that party their entire life,” Carville said.
 
Those who attended the conference say the big issues for young voters are the troubled economy, the war in Iraq and the environment.
 
“Young people are really concerned with the environment because we’re the ones that are going to deal with the environmental issues,” said Laura DeCastro, who attended the convention.
 
 The Young Democrats also say the intense and competitive campaign inspired many them to get involved with politics and make a change in the country.
 
“Our party really represents the foundation of America and more of the American people,” said Drew Turier.