Last week, 15 Alabama college students from across the state traveled to Columbia, S.C., to attend the College Democrats of America National Convention.

Andrew Jones, a student at Auburn University, of Daphne, was among those who attended.

The Alabama delegates exchanged ideas and winning strategies with young people from across the country, hear from Democratic Party leaders about their vision for the future, and receive campaign training to use in upcoming elections.  

While at the convention, the students were courted by several presidential campaigns and heard speeches from Sens. Hillary Clinton, John Edwards and Barack Obama.

The delegates were able to attend due to the donations of many individuals and organizations. The Alabama Democratic Party, Public Service Commissioner Susan Parker, Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks, Congressman Bud Cramer, Judge Deborah Paseur, Rep. Patricia Todd, and state Sen. Parker Griffith all made significant contributions to this cause.

“I appreciate these donors for making an investment in the next generation of Alabama’s Democratic leaders,” said Alabama College Democrats President Art Richey.

“This is the kind of outreach that is so vital to the growth of our party,” said Jesse McDaniel, Alabama Democratic Party spokesman. “These young people are excited about the future and we look forward to partnering with them in our effort to bring solutions and new ideas to the people of Alabama.”

Alabama’s delegation was one of the largest at the convention, numbering several times larger than delegations from such “blue states” as California.

In addition, Alabama’s delegation will be playing an integral role in the future leadership of the College Democrats of America. Auburn’s Corey Shepherd was elected as national membership director and Art Richey was elected as chair of the Southern Caucus.