This week the Politico created a list of its “Top 50 Politicos” to watch, including journalists, lobbyists, operatives, congressional staffers, and the all-inclusive “players.” Though I know that all 50 are certainly well-deserving, it was rather satisfying to see that the list included over ten people in their early thirties or younger.

I know that young people, myself included, often protest that they do receive nearly enough recognition for the work that they do in the political arena. While sometimes this complaint is overused, it is always rewarding to see credit given where it is due. In this case, I think that it is particularly gratifying because these politicos were not on the list simply due to their young age. Rather, their achievements seem to rival their older counterparts, and it is clear that they would be considered on the path towards success for any age.

For example, the list includes people from Susan Davis, a 28-year-old reporter for the Wall Street Journal, to Carrie Giddins, the 33-year-old communications director for the Iowa Democratic Party.  In fact, not to toot our own horn—for lack of a better expression—but it is very much worth congratulating Campus Progress’s Erica Williams for her appearance on the list. Erica most recently created the video “Why the Conservatives Won’t Capture the Youth Vote,” which has had enormous success on You Tube and the web circuit. Fantastic work Erica!