User:Mwsande

My name is Matthew Sanders and I am a junior at Illinois State University. I come from East Alton, Illinois which is about 20 minutes outside of St. Louis. I am majoring in both Political Science and History. Ever since I was in grade school I have been interested in Politics. My political leanings have been shaped by my family. The previous three generations were in unions. My Grandfather was involved heavily with local Democratic Party and my step-father was the president of his union. My mother also belongs to a nurses union. For these reasons I have always leaned towards the Democratic Party. I still remember voting in grade school during the 2000 elections and being confused when even though Al Gore won more votes George W. Bush became president. Growing up through middle school and high school I was always the kid at my high school who knew what was going on. During the 2008 election I spoke in front of the entire student body in a mock debate representing then candidate Barack Obama. The following day Obama won my schools' mock election with 66% of the vote. Out of all my classes this semester I am most looking forward to this one and having the chance to help rebuild a state party's website.