 By Stephanie Sonnenfeld
Marietta Daily Journal Staff Writer U.S. Democratic Senate hopeful Michael Coles may have found the perfect recipe for campaigning to young voters -- give a speech, answer questions and then give away cookies. The tactic used by the Great American Cookie Co.’s founder met with success during a Thursday visit with more than 100 students at Wheeler High School in east Cobb. Coles will face U.S. Sen. Paul Coverdell, R-Atlanta, in the November election. Though only a few students in the group are eligible to vote, Coles accepted the invitation to speak because he’s interested in what students have to say. The visit was initiated by Kitty Love, a Wheeler current events teacher who invites a variety of guest speakers to the school during the semester-long class. Before students rushed to collect free cookies Coles brought with him, they lined up to drill him with questions. Clad in traditional teen gear -- running shoes, baggy jeans and T-shirts -- the students asked questions with rather adult themes. Some inquired about welfare and others wanted to know his stance on President Clinton and Monica Lewinsky. “In this case, I agree with Newt Gingrich,” Coles said. “We have got to wait to see Starr’s report.” Questions also tackled veterans benefits, and there was one request for Coles to eliminate federal taxes if elected -- which evoked cheers from the audience. “They were very good questions,” he said. “I get some of the brightest questions from students. |
