Nathan Rodriguez, nrodriguez@vailtrail.com
July 2, 2008

As a freelance writer, marketing consultant and president of the Eagle County Young Republicans, Melissa Kellogg Lueck leads an active life in the valley.

The native Coloradan was born and raised in Fort Collins, and moved to the Vail area about four years ago. While full-service marketing and business writing take up the majority of her time, Kellogg Lueck also manages to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities in the area.

“I’ve been running races since I was 10, but right now I’m training for my second triathlon in Avon,” she says, referring to the Bec Tri held on August 2.

How did you first get involved in politics?
My first experience was as a volunteer on Bob Schaffer's first state Senate campaign 20 years ago as part of a high school class. The experience was so inspiring that I went on to get my undergrad college degree in political science. Recently, I had the opportunity to catch up with Schaffer, who's now running for the U.S. Senate, and tell him this story.

Have you been a lifelong Republican?
I have been a lifelong Republican because my values and the party's values have always matched up on issues important to me and my family. I've always believed in the entrepreneurial spirit of our country and that the people, not the government, know what's best for them.

How long have you been involved with the Young Republicans, and what goals do you have for the organization locally?
I have just recently become involved with the Young Republicans and I'm very excited about being a part of the organization made by and for us voters under 40.
My goals for our local chapter are to reinvigorate the current membership. I also want to invite new members — anyone between the ages of 18 and 40 — to join us to discuss the issues important to all of us and become involved in the political process.

What do you see as the key issue for Coloradans in the presidential election?
Energy policy is a key issue in our state. Here in Colorado, and especially on the Western Slope, tens of thousands of people stand to lose their jobs because of regulation-gone-wild in the oil and gas industry. Coloradans have the opportunity to benefit greatly in the new energy economy by developing new sources of oil, such as oil shale, and creating sustainable technologies.

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