Is the occupy protest sparking a new political movement?

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A recent poll shows more Americans are in favor of the Occupy Wall Street protest.  Because of this, experts are predicting the movement may play a major role in the presidential election. 

Although protesters in New York and Oakland have been evicted from city parks by local officials, 57 percent of the respondents in a Sienna College poll say they are in favor of the protest.  And this recent spike in popularity is making some wonder whether the movement is gaining momentum. 

“The question is to what extents the movement’s organizers will frame those issues.  But those issues will certainly be on the agenda,” said associate professor of political science at American International College, Julie Walsh, of the economic issues that have been highlighted during the protest.   

And that agenda constantly changes for occupy protesters, who have been criticized for not having a singular focus.  But as the movement enters its second month, what remains constant is the number of young adults taking part in the political conversation.

“It shows that all the younger students and all the younger people want to get involved with the country,” said Maurice Disley, a college freshman.  

His classmate agrees, “that's one of major influences of the Occupy Wall Street movement,” said American International College student Zachary Kronlund. 

But that involvement doesn’t stop at chanting slogans.  Against the backdrop of one the worst economic recessions, a segment of youth is engaging in politics and running for office.  In Iowa an 18 year-old beat a 74 year-old incumbent in the mayoral race and Holyoke just elected its youngest mayor. 

“When you have this kind of economic recession, it really sets the stage for voters to be willing to entertain change and youth represents change,” said Walsh. 

But 22 year-old mayor-elect Alex Morse told 22News voters are doing more than just entertaining the idea of having a budding politician.  He is living proof that they want a change in government.

“Age was something I had to overcome at the end of the day. Voters didn’t judge me on the age, they judged me on my vision for the city, my specific plans in education, jobs public safety and restoring a sense of pride,” said Morse of why he was elected. 

Walsh told 22News with the winter months fast approaching, it will be interesting to see how long occupy protesters in Boston last in their tent cities.  As far as the protest sparking a reform in economic policy, Walsh said the movement will need a face or one leader to help lobby during the 2012 presidential election.