Peter vonLehe Ruegner is a 20-year-old student from Charleston.

Here is Peter's video application:

Here is Peter's current situation:

Hey everyone,

My name is Peter vonLehe Ruegner, but feel free to call me Lehe.

I am currently living in Charleston, SC and attending the College of Charleston; I am majoring in Political Science.

Currently I'm in my sophomore year. I am an active brother in the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity.

I am addicted to facebook, twitter, and youtube!!!

Oh, in case you missed it, I drive a truck, just like Scott Brown!!!

I also own one of the largest collections of exotic reptiles in the state. YES, snakes, snakes, and more snakes!!!!

If you want to see them, check out my YouTube page.

I know I am one of the last people to apply, but I wanted everyone to know, I am in it to win it!!!

PVR

Here is Peter's blog post:

A year ago today, I was about to be on plane to L.A. to be a contestant on Vh1’s new reality show starring none other than Megan Hauserman. The show’s working title: Trophy Wife, but became known as Megan Wants A Millionaire.

Yes, I was going to be on a reality TV!!!

Unfortunately, by the time I had received conformation for the show, it was too late to withdraw from my classes at College of Charleston. I would have received “F’s” for all 6 of my classes. There was no way I could manage that.

So basically, my “fame” was short lived and I decided to duck out of the spotlight.

Today though, I am ready to re-enter the public sphere. A lot about me has changed over the last year. Instead of trying to get on TV, I decided to do something that would help everyone.

I became politically involved.

I like politics. Actually, that’s the biggest understatement ever because I eat, breathe, and live politics. I actively attend rallies and meetings almost on a daily basis.

From attending the Conservative Political Action Conference in DC, to working at the SC Gubernatorial debates, if it has to do with politics, you can bet I’m there.

In today’s world, finding a good job and making money are hard to come by. Look at the current national unemployment rate: 10%.

Wow, that’s really high!!!! And to make matters worse, South Carolina is ABOVE the national average. We are currently around 12%. So what does all this mean to you?

It will be even harder for young people to find a job. And those who do, will have to pay enormous amounts of new taxes that will be enforced by the federal government.

More taxes are a very bad thing, especially for young people.

By now, I am sure you’re all wondering the same thing. Why is this political junkie in this competition?

That has to be the easiest answer. I am in this competition because so many young people are not actively involved in politics. Money = Politics.

That’s right; it’s as simple as that. Right now the federal government is trying to force a “healthcare reform bill” and “cap and trade” through to the President’s desk.

You may be thinking so what, why should I care? Because if both these bills pass, that means one thing for everyone, including you and me: more taxes and fewer choices.

I don’t know about you, but I want to keep more of my money and spend it how I want. I also want to choose who my Doctor is.

I want to keep my hard earned dollars, and not pay for someone else’s healthcare. I want to get on the internet whenever I want, without having to worry about paying an additional electricity tax.

Being able to keep this money would mean I could I save it. As a conservative, I know how to manage money. I always have and always will.

I would advise you not to spend more than you have. You should also have a savings account, which you should plan on adding a little more to each month.

Everywhere I go, I hear the same things. “We don’t want our money taken.” And believe it or not, that is coming from young people.

Do you see how money and politics are intertwined?

2010 is going to be one of the most important election cycles for this state, as well as the country. This November we are able to go to the polls and choose our next Governor, there are many other local, state, and federal races in SC too.

The sad thing is that too many young people don’t get out and vote. That “right” is what our fore-fathers fought for.

The decisions these politicians will make, will affect each and everyone one of us. I want the young crowd to be heard and represented. I want them to understand what’s happening in our state and country.

What too many YOUNG people don’t realize is that our personal freedoms are at stake. This is not coming from some foreign enemy, but from OUR OWN representatives here at home. Too many young people don’t understand the current path the state and country are on; we heading towards bankruptcy.

I want them to understand the importance of being involved. And most importantly, I want them to KNOW that their voice can be HEARD, but only if they shout loud enough.

P.S. – If you want to, add me on Facebook, on Twitter and on YouTube, and please my new Facebook fan page.

Peter