A source at the RNC passed along a memo compiled by the DNC (probably meant to be a secret memo, eh?) with this nugget showing a significant increase in the youth vote:

Young People Breaking for Democrats:

* Youth turnout tripled in Iowa. This dramatic increase was enjoyed overwhelmingly by Democrats, not Republicans. Of the 65,230 total young people (ages 17 to 29) who participated in the Iowa caucuses yesterday, 52,580 caucused for Democrats while only 12,650 caucused for Republicans. That’s a more than 4-to-1 advantage for Democrats among young people. The numbers show that young people overwhelmingly favor Democrats. Of the young people who turned out, 80% caucused for a Democrat. In total, 22% of Democratic caucus goers were young people, an increase from 17% in 2004 and 9% in 2000. In contrast, only 11% of the Republican caucus goers were young people. [CIRCLE www.civicyouth.org; Young Voter PAC; ABC News 1/4/07]

* Youth turnout in New Hampshire surged to 37% this year, from 18% in 2004 and 28% in 2000. 61% of youth voters supported Democrats over Republicans. That’s 43,753 young people going for Democrats and only 28,288 young people going for Republicans. In the Democratic primary, young voters participated in higher numbers than older voters. According to CNN exit polling, 18% of voters in the Democratic primary were 29 or under, 15% were 30-39, and 13% were 65 and older. [Young Voter PAC]

Of course, let's make sure that we note that Young Voter PAC is a Democratic operation. To my knowledge, no such political action committee exists on our side of the aisle.

Unfortunately, it looks as though Gen Next is solidly Gen Democrat, a concern we've raised time and time again in this space.

But, hey, young people don't vote. Right? Pfffffft.