Tufts sophomore Scott Merrick will have a hand in governing one of last week's swing states after being elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives for the Second Congressional District of Coos County on Nov. 2.
Though he has been active in politics since high school, Merrick found himself in the midst of what many experts called the most important election in recent history.
"Even while I campaigned for the race, things were still surreal," Merrick said. "I was running because I was passionate about something and got involved."
Merrick was asked to run by the Democratic Council of his local community. "For me, that was the support right there," he said. "The time was right, I had to run; I couldn't turn this kind of opportunity down."
The New Hampshire House of Representatives seats 400 representatives, making it the third-largest parliamentary body in the English-speaking world. "It's all about being active in your community. Anyone can do it. I knew if I worked hard enough I could get elected," Merrick said.
Merrick will serve a two-year term. This year, there were four seats up for grabs in his district, three of which went to Republicans. The fourth was captured by a 19-year-old Democrat who eats in Dewick.
"No matter what [the reaction], I hope to get support and get things accomplished," Merrick said.
The average age of New Hampshire state representatives is 59 years old - a mark Merrick misses by 40 years. Still, Merrick hopes for positive reactions from his colleagues when he starts his term.
Merrick will take a semester off "to adjust to the commitment I made to my community," he said. "They showed they're behind me."
He said he does not expect to run for re-election in 2006. "I wanted to run and help my town in the present, but my education is important as well," he said.
Merrick's election platform included several personal interests, including education reform and healthcare. Merrick hopes to be chosen for either of these committees in the New Hampshire House.
Tufts students also helped contribute to Merrick's win - the Tufts Democrats recruited volunteers to work for his campaign.
Co-Chair of Communications for the Tufts Democrats Anne Stevenson said Merrick represents an age group that needs representation in New Hampshire. "He is a great example of a Tufts Democrat. We are all very supportive and extremely proud of Scott," she said.
Merrick's campaign consisted of canvassing his town by going door to door and speaking to residents. He drove home every weekend after the primaries, convincing people that he was serious and mentally prepared. "Every weekend except for one, I was there, campaigning," Merrick said.
Representative-elect Merrick is now thinking about his midterms before leaving for the State House. "I get sworn in Dec. 1st and the first session of the House starts Jan. 5," Merrick said.
Merrick expects to return to Tufts in the fall of 2005, ready to balance a lightened course load with his responsibilities at home.
