Highland Heights councilwoman plays big role at Republican National Convention

TAMPA - Lisa Stickan is far from your typical delegate. The Highland Heights councilwoman is in Tampa at the Republican National Convention wearing several hats.

She is chair of the Young Republican National Federation, the oldest political youth organization in the country. Founded in 1859, its goal is to reach out to and politically educate voters in the 18 to 40 age group.

That prominent role landed Stickan a speaking slot at the convention, addressing delegates Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday. She'll take part in a forum moderated by Chelsea Clinton and featuring George P. Bush. The discussion put on by the National Journal and The Atlantic focuses the topic on the role of voters under 40 in this year's election.

"You know younger voters played a huge role in the last election cycle so there are questions," she said. "Will they turn out again this year, how are they trending."

That's especially true, she said, given the economic situation in the country as the downturn has impacted that particular age group.

"They are facing 53 percent under employment so I think it's a significant issue," she said.