LEWISTON – Chris Heinz, 31, who was listed in People magazine as one of the 50 most eligible bachelors, campaigned at three Maine colleges Monday, sharing his thoughts on what kind of stepfather Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry is.

Heinz was born into fame and fortune. His great-grandfather founded the H.J. Heinz company in the 1860s. His father, John Heinz, served as U.S. senator from Pennsylvania.

“I lost my dad when I was a senior in high school,” Heinz, the youngest son of Teresa Heinz Kerry, told a group of about 100 students Monday at Bates College. “He died in a plane crash. I was not looking for anyone to fill those shoes. I really grew up that day.”

He asked the students if any have a stepparent. More than a dozen hands came up.

“Pretty tough job, right?” Heinz asked. “Some are really good … (some) you never have a relationship with. I’ve got a great relationship with my stepfather.”

Kerry became a good stepparent to him by earning his respect, being a good listener, “and not trying to push an agenda on our family. But also being himself and challenging us as people.”

That’s his personal endorsement, Heinz said. “Why’s that relevant to people who will never have to eat Thanksgiving dinner with John Kerry, or see him in a robe?” he asked.

Because what Kerry exhibited as stepfather – respect, friendship, love – will be what he exhibits as president. The United States needs to regain the respect of the world. “We’ve lost that. We’ve become the most hated nation. People were booing us at the Olympics. … That bothers me.”

He told students they’re living in a swing state; the race will be close in Maine. He reminded them that the 2000 election was decided by razor-thin margins in New Mexico and Florida. “When I go to campuses and we talk, it’s empowering to know individual votes and the ability to organize can actually make a meaningful impact.”

Traditionally, 35 percent of college students say they plan to vote and 28 percent actually do. But a recent MTV survey showed that 62 to 65 percent of college students plan to vote, and 50 percent probably will, Heinz said.

“It’s finally vaguely cool to be involved in politics.” Political issues have more meaning to young adults, Heinz said, citing high college tuitions, the Iraq war and talk of a draft as some of those issues.

After speaking, Heinz took questions.

Student Jason Buxbaum said there seems to be a growing gap between the rich and poor, and asked if that bothers John Kerry. And, Buxbaum asked, if members of Congress get automatic raises every year, why doesn’t the minimum wage automatically go up?

Heinz said Kerry is concerned about the growing income divide in America, adding that it is why he wants to roll back tax breaks for the rich. The minimum wage doesn’t go up automatically because that’s opposed by businesses, he said, adding that Kerry wants it raised to $7 an hour.

Gertrude Hewett of Augusta, who said she is 66 years old, thanked Heinz for coming. She said she feels passionately that “we need to take our country back,” and with Kerry-Edwards she’s feeling hopeful. “Also I have to tell you you are so handsome,” she said as the students giggled.

“It’s hot in here,” Heinz said, blushing. He added, “I appreciate that.”


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