IU senior takes on 6-year incumbent in House race

Adrianne Dunlap not only wants to serve the students of IU by holding a seat in the statehouse, but, as a student herself, she wants to be the political voice for her generation.\nDunlap, originally from Noblesville, Ind., is a senior at IU, majoring in English. While many have put down her lack of experience, she thinks it is a benefit to her campaign.\n"Obviously I'm not an experienced politician, but I feel like that is a good thing," Dunlap said. "I don't have an agenda."\nSince the majority of District 61 is made up of students, Dunlap said it is important for them to be effectively represented. \n"A lot of young people are very split on social issues that have been brought up recently, just as adults are," Dunlap said. \nShe feels it is important to find some common ground everyone is interested in and work on a compromise from there.\nDunlap stressed her intention to truly represent the views of the constituency. \n"I am running on the Republican ticket, but at the same time I feel it is important for a politician to draw a line on issues to separate their personal views and those of their constituents to make sure everyone feels their views are being represented."\nDunlap did not offer views on specific issues but said, "If it's something that's important to the constituency, it's something that should be important for me."\nTo learn these views, Dunlap said she plans to increase polling on campus and in the community if elected. \n"Instead of getting the five percent of the population who calls their congressman, I want to make it more available to give an opinion," Dunlap said. \nDunlap plans on pursuing a teaching license after completing her undergraduate degree, which she expects will happen in December of 2007. She feels she is capable of balancing the demands of representation with that of student life. \n"I wouldn't let (being a student) hinder the duty of being a congressman," Dunlap said.\nShe also hopes this experience could offer valuable experience for future representation. Dunlap plans to stay in Monroe County after graduation but is ready to start her political activity now. \n"At some point we're going to be running the state and local government," Dunlap said. "I don't see why we can't start now"