For Koutsky, 19, involvement in Democratic politics began early.  His mother was a teacher, and he grew up attending union rallies and protests.  During the 2000 Presidential Campaign, he saw George W. Bush speak and didn't like what he heard, so he went to work for the Gore campaign.  For the 2002 midterm elections, he worked on Democratic campaigns in Illinois for governor and attorney general.  His political involvement continued at Illinois State, where he has served as president of Illinois State University's College Democrats and as a senator in student government.  Last spring, Koutsky ran his own successful campaign for student trustee.

But for the summer, Koutsky focused his efforts on the Obama campaign in Chicago. He spent an average of 50-60 hours per week as the Campaign Materials Coordinator.  As such, he managed the distrubution of posters, buttons, brochures and other printed materials.  When he returned from the Democratic Convention in Boston, where Obama delievered a well-received speech in front of a national audience, Koutsky had over 200 e-mail requests for materials.

Following a very exciting summer, Koutsky has returned to the Illinois State campus to begin his junior year.  His work for Obama will continue here, but at a reduced schedule to allow the junior to stay on pace to graduate in 2006.