On Dec. 7, 2005, a day that will live in infamy, former Poplar Bluff High School student Nate Kennedy was elected president of the College Democrats at University of Missouri-Columbia. Could this be the beginning of a burgeoning political career for Nate?

The beginning of Nate’s political interests are rooted right here at PBHS. Nate was a founding member and president of the Young Democrat’s Club during his junior and senior years. He was actively involved in local elections and was known to participate in “friendly” debates with young Republicans. Everyone who knows Nate knows that he was born a Democrat.

After graduating from high school, it was only natural for Nate to continue with his interest in politics. When he arrived at the Mizzou campus, Nate was glad to find it a “liberal friendly” school. He soon fell in with the College Democrats, an active, democratic-minded political organization on campus. He was surprised when the officers asked him to run for president. He was even more surprised when he was actually elected. Like many elected officials, Nate claims that he only ran because he was compelled to.

Whether it was peer pressure or ambition, Nate is settling into his new position. His responsibilities include making sure that meetings run smoothly and that the Bush bashing doesn‘t get out of control. He works with seven other executives to coordinate meetings and events.

Although there have been no meetings since the election, Nate already has plans to boost low attendance. He wants to get a strong active membership to back Democratic candidates in the 2006 elections in November. For the last weekend in January, the group is planning to participate in New Year for New Orleans, a relief effort involving Habitat for Humanity, Missouri senators and College Democrats from all over.

Nate admits that he likes his power and is waiting to see what fringe benefits it brings.

But one must ask, how far into politics will Nate Kennedy go? He expresses interest in possibly pursuing a career in government. How long before we have a Gov. Nate Kennedy, Sen. Nate Kennedy, or even President Nate Kennedy?