Some patronizing adults might say Congressman Bob Beauprez's campaign is run by a kid, since campaign manager John Marshall is only 28. But Bob Schaffer's campaign for State Board of Education is, quite literally, run by kids.

The former GOP congressman's campaign manager, Brittany Lewin, is 17. Volunteer coordinator Rachael Miller is 19, and press secretary Jenna Jordan is 17.

Schaffer confesses he wishes the idea was the result of deep thinking. Instead, it was born on the fly at a Weld County breakfast meeting. When would-be supporters asked about yard signs and volunteering, Schaffer told them he had no real campaign infrastructure. Turning to three girls there for his talk, he said: "How would you like to run the campaign?" It made sense, Schaffer said, since they're students and it's a Board of Education race. Within an hour or so, he learned the girls were at the library checking out books on campaigning, scouring the Internet and making leaflets. They've since produced radio ads, a newspaper for voters, countless homemade yard signs and an Internet presence.

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