Rivera's inspiration resides close to home

By Erin Banco

UW-Madison sophomore Molly Rivera said her political inspiration stems from her father and UW-Madison alum Awais Khaleel.

Rivera, graduate of Bradford High School in Kenosha WI currently serves as a delegate for WI at the 2008 DNC. She actively participates in UW-Madison's College Democrats and volunteers her time to Students for Obama. Her political interest began through her father's active role in democratic politics.

"My dad has been involved with democratic politics since I can remember but when I really got involved in it was when I saw Obama speak in 2004 in Milwaukee. I was in high school at the time and had a really good government politics teacher and he really got me involved," Rivera said.

Rivera's participation in College Democrats is due largely to WI superdelegate, UW-Madison alum and VP of College Democrats Awais Khaleel who also graduated from Bradford High.

"Awais went to the same high school I did and I have always looked up to him. I think he really good things for the party and I think he is a really good person," she said. "Locally I also look up to Tammy Baldwin, Russ Feingold and Jim Doyle."

People spoke of Sen. Hillary Clinton's speech saying it united the party because the senator said exactly what she needed to say. Rivera agreed.

"I though she said exactly what she needed to say. She got us all united last night. I think it was an overall really good speech," she said.

As a student leader in her field like other young delegates, Rivera has helped the student movement to elect Barack Obama in Madison.

"I think students play a huge role in this process, especially in Madison. I think whoever wants to win this election needs to contact the students in Madison," she said.