Linton-Stockton grad completes internship in Ellsworth's Washington office

Shane Thornton, son of Mike and Tamyra Thornton of Linton, (at right) recently returned from Washington, D.C. where he had an internship with U.S. Rep. Brad Ellsworth (8th District), at left. (Submitted photo)

A 2006 Linton-Stockton High School graduate has wrapped up the experience of a lifetime at the nation's capital.

Shane Thornton, son of Mike and Tamyra Thornton of Linton, recently returned from Washington, D.C. where he had an internship with U.S. Rep. Brad Ellsworth (8th District).

While in D.C., his main duties were sorting mail, running errands, taking calls from constituents among others.

"I followed Ellsworth since the '06 election. I really liked him. I thought he did a great job," explained the Indiana University senior.

Thornton, a political science major, ran across the internship opportunity while browsing Ellsworth's Web site and decided to apply.

He explained, "Back in January I sent in the application ... (Linton Mayor) Tom Jones had introduced us ... and Tom (Jones) sent in a recommendation letter."

But it wasn't until April when Thornton found out he was Capitol Hill bound.

"It was a long wait from January to April not knowing. I was pretty excited when I found out," he said.

While in D.C., Thornton lived in a townhouse on Capitol Hill with 10 roommates -- who were from all over the country and Canada.

"It was a good experience ... all of the cultures living in one house together," he said.

He also really enjoyed experiencing the nation's capital and was able to check out the monuments, museums and more.

At first, he wasn't sure what the internship would hold.

"I didn't know what to expect. But he (Ellsworth) has a great staff. They make you feel really comfortable," he added.

"It was great. I loved it," he said.

Thornton's interest in politics happened during the '04 presidential election.

"Before that I never thought about it ... I slowly started realizing politics is relevant to everyone regardless of your age," he explained.

Thornton's future could include law school, politics or both.

"I would like to work on campaigns. If the opportunity comes along to run for office I would maybe take that," he also said.

As for returning to D.C., that may also be in his future.

"If the opportunity came up I would definitely do it again. It was a great experience."