Press Release
ROCKEFELLER MEETS WITH WEST VIRGINIA
UNIVERSITY YOUNG DEMOCRATS
Morgantown, W.Va. - Senator Jay Rockefeller on Saturday evening visited with members of the West Virginia University Young Democrats in Morgantown. The reception was part of a week-long event on campus called, "Dem Days," put on by the Young Democrats.
Rockefeller discussed how he first entered public service in West Virginia as a VISTA volunteer in Emmons, and how important he believes public service is today. Rockefeller helped pass legislation last year that would forgive federal student loans for people who spend 10 years after college in a public service job.
"This is an absolute win for young people who want nothing more than to do good for others, but might not have been able to afford the pay that those jobs usually offer," Rockefeller said. "I have the utmost admiration for people who dedicate themselves to public service. Whether they're a teacher, in the military, a police officer, or a nurse - they're the ones who make life better for others every single day."
Rockefeller also talked about how he believes this is one of the most important times in the nation's history, and that the coming years will bring opportunities for serious and positive change in areas like health care, science, education and technology.
"As a nation, we must begin to rebuild ourselves," he said. "We need to reinvest in the basics that will move our country forward. And I believe we have a window of opportunity - starting now -- to get things right in improving our education system, in getting health care to more Americans, and in seriously addressing the energy issues we're facing."
Having officially endorsed Senator Barack Obama for the presidency, Rockefeller told the Young Democrats that because of his connection with people, he believes Senator Obama is the best candidate to lead the country in meeting the serious challenges ahead.
"Barack Obama could've gone anywhere, but he decided to work in the south side of Chicago. That's speaks to the core of who he is. He decided to work from the ground up to see the world," Rockefeller said. "He's humble, brilliant, and thoughtful - and he connects with people. It's because of his nature that I believe he can do a lot to change our country, and bring people together."
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