Football Practice, Homework and Addressing the GOP: It's a Typical Day for Ben Bishop

Last Monday the Paul Ryan campaign rally at Oakland University was a bit like a "Who's Who" of southeastern Michigan Republicans.

But chances are there was only one speaker in this powerful group who had to leave early to finish his homework.

Ben Bishop, a seventh grader at West Middle School, took the stage Monday night with his dad, Mike Bishop, who is running for Oakland County Prosecutor.

(Read "Local GOPs Join Kid Rock to Pump Up the Party at Ryan Rally")

"It was pretty cool," Ben said about addressing the crowd of 3,000. "I've talked to groups of people before but nothing like that. It was a rush really."

After talking about the debt and what it means to his generation, Ben headed home. He had homework to do, so meeting vice-presidential candidate Paul Ryan would have to wait for another day.

Third generation politician?

Perhaps there's a reason Ben is a natural at public speaking; it might just be in the blood.

If Ben achieves his goal of someday being "in office as some part of the government" he would be the third generation of Bishop men to do so. When Mike Bishop took the 12th district Senate seat in 2003, he was taking a seat that was previously held by his father, Donald Bishop.

"I look up to my dad," Ben said. "I'd like to turn out like him. It would be nice to help a nation or city or state."

As for now the middle schooler, like most seventh graders, is focused on academics and sports — and staying up late to watch a debate or two.

But he'll always have this memory.

"When I got off the stage and realized I had done well I was pretty pumped."

What a way to spend a school night.