A University student is vying to be the youngest member of the state Senate as the only female in a herd of male candidates.
Zaine Kasem, sport administration senior, is running for Louisiana state senator in District 2 in tomorrow’s election. Kasem, who goes by the nickname “The Queen,” is a registered Republican.
Despite her age, Kasem said people have been supportive as she’s knocked on doors and introduced herself and her campaign to the public.
“If at 17, I can register to vote, and at 18, vote on who can be elected as my senator, I should be able to run for state senator at 22,” Kasem said.
She said her gender will play to her advantage in the race.
“Women should be more involved in politics and the decision-making running our lives,” Kasem said.
She said she’s qualified to run against older candidates because she’s a University Notary Public graduate, a University Paralegal graduate, a Burk Baker Real Estate graduate and a judicial administrative assistant for Louisiana’s 19th Judicial District Court, as well as the winner of numerous pageants.
Taking a step toward public office is exciting, Kasem said, because she has spent her life as a public servant, completing more than 3,200 volunteer hours.
If elected, Kasem’s top priorities will be holding precinct meetings, spurring job growth and drawing business to the state.
While Kasem has outlined plans for precinct meetings, she has not drafted specific plans for how she will boost jobs or attract investors to the state aside from working with the Chamber of Commerce.
Her broad campaign platform states Louisiana’s future is dependent on jobs, education, workforce, health care, entrepreneurship, small businesses, economic development, energy resources, infrastructure, arts, research and innovation, its image and quality of life for its citizens.
The election will be held this Saturday, Oct. 22.
 
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Contact Andrea Gallo at [email protected]