Two Valley student's pursue their passion in politics

"It really sounded like the kind of event I could get behind and be interested in for a week," Gudmundsson said.

Boys State is week long course in how state government works. It is sponsored by California's American Legion.

Jim Lint explained it has a serious purpose dating back to the 1930's, "it's Americanism, it's leadership, it' gives them an insight into how our government really works."

Each boy is assigned to one of two political parties and works to create policies from the city to state levels.

"Once I got there it was really a completely different experience. It was a job to create the laws and functions of a city, a state," Gudmundsson said.

Tor would be elected governor while Shaun Lichti took on the job of secretary to the Wigg Party.

"We hope that once they go to Boys State and they realize what politics insures and everything, they'll know what road they want to go down," Lint said.

And both these young men were elected to represent California at 'Boys Nation' in Washington this July.

It is the first time the Central Valley will fill both national seats for California.

"It's another 98 kids and it's another chance to go up, instead of just the best of the best in your state, it's the best of the best in the country," Gudmundsson said.

"No matter what I try to do eventually I'll end up in politics because that's where my passion is," Lischti said.

Two young men who didn't know each other a few months ago expect to learn more about politics in the nation's capitol.