Even though voters in the 18- to 24-year-old age bracket have the lowest voter turnout in history, politicians are not ignoring their presence.

In a press conference for Iowa college reporters in Des Moines Monday, presidential candidate Bill Bradley said although volunteerism is at an all-time high on college campuses, political participation has never been lower.

“If you think you’re smart, and you decide not to be involved in politics,” Bradley said, “you are leaving life-altering decisions up to those who are less intelligent than you are.”

In an attempt to reach out to younger voters, Bradley said he wants to involve people who have never been active in a political campaign.

He referred to the 1998 election of Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura, who focused much of his campaign on the youth vote, which, Bradley said, was what got him into office.

“When you participate in the [political] process, you add something to the process that wasn’t there,” he said. “I’m going to continue to reach out to people who have not been a part of the process.”

Bradley said college students should want him to be elected because his presidency “would address the issues you care most about.”

Some of the issues former Sen. Bradley touched on were stricter gun control and increasing the use of self-reliance loans for college graduates. These loans would be repaid based on a percentage of income. He also focused on improving racial unity.

In light of recent challenges on Bradley by Vice President Al Gore, Bradley said he is giving his opponent “every benefit of the doubt.”

“I’m trying to run a positive campaign,” he said. “Voting for president is the most personal decision anyone ever makes.”

Bradley said he is disappointed that Gore has used negative tactics in the campaign, but he said he will not retaliate.

“I think [Americans] are fed up with partisan politics,” he said. “I owe it to them to be positive.”

Bradley also dispelled any myth that he would be Gore’s running mate if he does not receive the Democratic nomination.

“I’m running for president, and that’s the office I am seeking,” he said. “That’s the only office I will accept.”