Republicans. At the sound of the word, some will moan in agony. Some will simply nod respectfully. Others will rise in strong defense of the political party that is often vilified by young, left-leaning college students. The reactions will inevitably be varied.

But for just a moment, let's disregard all this and consider just one noteworthy member of the Republican Party.

His name is Charlie Smith, and he's important. He is the president of the College Republican National Committee, which pretty much makes him the head of the party's grassroots agenda. His credentials are impressive. He was the chair of the Colorado Federation of College Republicans. He has developed an Internet strategy to attract young voters and register them. More significantly, Smith spoke at the Republican National Convention along with some of the most powerful leaders of the United States.

Smith is 24 years old.

He wasn't old enough to rent a car to get himself to St. Paul, but Smith nevertheless spoke eloquently about what matters to us, America's youth.

There are a staggering 44 million of us. We make up one-fifth of the eligible voting population. Politicians are forced to pay almost as much attention to us as they do senior citizens, our rival eligible voting group. According to a fact sheet compiled by Rock the Vote in March 2008, the war in Iraq and the economy are key issues for us in this upcoming election, and Smith told us how John McCain plans on handling these issues.

Smith says McCain will cut taxes on small businesses to increase jobs, particularly for recent college graduates who struggle to snag the few available positions. McCain also plans to make progress in Iraq, combat Islamic extremism and bring home our family and friends who are fighting there on our behalf.

But don't let McCain's politics get in the way of this phenomenon. Even if you are one of those college students who makes a hobby of berating the Republican Party, take pride in the new respect it has granted our age group. Smith, however red, is making strides on behalf of all of us, making us realize that it is possible to be heard.

"We know that Sen. McCain is going to go to Washington, D.C. and shake things up to make Washington work for American families and America's youth once again," Smith states firmly. Our voting contingent should pay attention to the issues that affect our day-to-day lives and be proud that Smith is articulating these before the entire nation. Regardless of whether you prefer McCain or Obama, Republicans or Democrats, listen to this young CRNC president. He's talking to you.