Leah Coleman was raised to have a strong moral compass.

When she got to college, that compass pointed her straight to the Republican Party.

"It goes to my parents how I was brought up. I think it's completely my decision, but the morals and standards of the Republican Party I agree with," she said. "Pro-life, I am really for, marriage I believe is between a man and a woman, I think that is something that should be kept sacred."

Coleman is a 20-year-old junior at Carthage College majoring in exercise sports education, but has a strong interest in politics outside the classroom.

Coleman believes her integrity as a young leader comes through offering information to people and letting them decide for themselves, rather than espousing beliefs with little factual basis.

"I give the straight facts, if something was done wrong, absolutely they should be held accountable for it, no party is perfect," she said. "You should definitely see both sides and have to work together, that's my main thing. You can't have a government without the two."

She works mainly at GOP campaign centers in the area making voter calls and carrying out door-to-door canvassing among other duties.

"I've had so many people come up to me and say I'm not even voting in this election because I just don't care," she said. "I think it is our duty as citizens of this country that we are free and we're able to have these rights. It's so important to vote, you are given this opportunity, I don't think people realize how easy it can be taken away from us."

She's the type of person that watches Congress live on C-SPAN and digs through Library of Congress files online to read through legislation. Even if it means researching the 169-page, 801-section Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, or HR 1424 for short.

Though she knows who she is voting for on Nov. 4, she took that same analytical approach when reviewing the candidates.

"I researched both of them, because I believe just because you're a Republican doesn't mean you're right and just because you're a Democrat doesn't mean you're right," she said. "For me it was definitely track record - what both of them have done."

After graduation, Coleman plans to enter the U.S. Air Force officer training school.

At 5 foot 2 inches, she's two inches too short to pilot a combat plane. However, she is interested in pursuing a career as an Air Battle Manager, an officer trained for a variety of duties including airborne command, control and surveillance.

She's been interested in a career in the Air Force since she was in middle school. Today, she sees the career as a one of honor, one that best represents the country in the international setting.

"I believe the Air Force has actually instilled why I am so interested in politics," she said. "They are our leaders, they're the leaders of our country and they're our face for international scenes, so that's a really big deal for me."

Coleman is steeped in politics, respect for her country, strong Christian faith and a persistent desire to lead.

At a point in many young people's lives when their compass spins, searching for direction, Coleman's is at once deeply-rooted, pointed toward the heavens.