Fourth Graders Study the Democratic Race

Students at Erdenheim Elementary School in Flourtown, Pa., conducted a political straw poll to determine whom they would like to see win their state's Democratic primary on Tuesday. Fourth grader Nora Goodrich, left, read the Democratic candidates' positions on the environment.



Students' opinions on national issues were recorded. One student put more immediate concerns to paper.

The gradewide results were 52 votes for Senator Barack Obama and 21 for Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. In Miss Boles's class, the vote was more lopsided: Mrs. Clinton garnered just 2 of the 20 votes cast. To the teachers, the results were less important than the way the children embraced politics. "I feel better about our future," said Ms. Stefano, right. "This gives me hope."