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Third graders at Carden West School in Pleasanton have been receiving national attention recently for their interest in national politics.

"The class was very interested in the election," teacher Lisa Harp said. "We did a mock election."

The group decided to write letters to their presidential hopefuls, sharing their ideas to make the country better. CNN caught wind of the project and the class was recently on its programs.

Now that the inauguration is a week away, CNN has re-used the footage on its website.

Of all the letters, Harp said what stood out most to her was their idea that Democrats and Republicans need to work together. This concept, she added, is a crucial part of the nine-member class.

"Some children supported one candidate or another," she said. "When Obama won, the McCain supporters were inspired by his speech and wanted to see them work together."

Other ideas they wrote about ending the war and breaking down race barriers. One imaginative student came up with a new car that focused on using less gas.

The class keeps up-to-date with current events each week by reading Time for Kids.

"I think our kids have some marvelous things to say about the future," principal Mark Silzer said. "They will great leaders in the future."

Click here to see the video on CNN.com.

To learn more about Carden West School, located on Willow Road, visit www.cardenwest.org.

carden west school,pleasanton

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