14-year-old to run for Vermont governor

-Source-Associated Press One of the four Vermont Democrats seeking the party nomination to run for governor in the fall election isnt old enough to vote let alone drive. Ethan Sonneborn 14 of Bristol met the requirements to be on the primary ballot and is taking his place with the states more age-appropriate candidates on the Tuesday primary ballot to say nothing of numerous candidate forums and debates. I think Vermonters should take me seriously because I have practical progressive ideas and I happen to be 14 not the other way around" Sonneborn said in a recent televised gubernatorial forum. I think that my message and my platform transcend age." The Vermont Constitution doesnt have an age requirement for people seeking the states highest office beyond having lived in the state for four years before the election. Sonneborn qualifies.That apparent oversight by the states founders more than 225 years ago was enough to encourage the politically precocious teen to collect the signatures needed to place him on the primary ballot. He said hes always been fascinated with the concept of building coalitions. Robert F. Kennedy was the politician who most embodies that for him. Sonneborn said his decision to run grew out of his frustration with state and national politics. The teen learned he could and then decided to do so as a gut reaction to clashes in Charlottesville Virginia one year ago. His July finance report shows Ethan has raised just over $1700 not enough to make him competitive in a world where the successful candidates will undoubtedly have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars if not more for ads mailings staff and other miscellaneous political expenses before the November general election. Even if he doesnt have much money Ethan has been on the stage with Vermonts other Democratic candidates. It might be a stretch though to call the other candidates traditional politicians.