If Democrats Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton weren’t in a fierce political battle for their party’s nomination, then students like Brian Griffin and Kaci Gardner probably wouldn’t have gotten so involved in the campaign.

Growing up in a state like Indiana—as I did—you realize that presidential candidates don’t pay much attention to you when your electoral votes are a foregone conclusion. (I think Indiana’s electoral votes—there are 12 now—have gone to the Republican nominee since the dawn of time.)

Of course, it was mildly exciting when Indiana provided George H.W. Bush with his vice president. (That would be Dan Quayle.)

But that’s nothing compared with the enthusiasm being generated in Indiana this week by Clinton and Obama. So as the Democrats slug it out before the May 6 primary, it’s refreshing to see a state like Indiana become relevant—and its students become politically engaged—even if such relevance is likely to be short-lived.