WASHINGTON — Morgan Harper, a student and singer from Lithonia, is among five finalists chosen in the YouTube "Why are you a Democrat in 2008?" online video contest, the Democratic National Convention said Friday.

The Democratic winner — along with the winner of a "Why are you a Republican in 2008?" video contest — will attend their respective party's political convention and watch their video played on the giant screen seen by delegates and others.

YouTube (ENLARGE)

In her video, Morgan Harper of Lithonia talks about turning 18 the day before Super Tuesday and voting for the first time in the Democratic primary.

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In her video, Harper talks about turning 18 the day before Super Tuesday and voting for the first time in the Democratic primary. She could not be reached for comment on Friday.

The Democratic videos can be seen at http://youtube.com/demconvention. The Republican videos can be seen at http://youtube.com/gopconvention2008.

The other Democratic finalists are Timothy McDonald from Traverse City, Mich.; Rich Peters from Iowa City, Iowa; and Brian Beach from Dayton, Ohio.

The Republican finalists are Shawn Summers of Upper St. Clair, Pa.; Christina Inman of Cincinnatio; Caitlyn Zachry of West Chester, Ohio; Karysa Trombley of Groton, Ct.; and Richie Mullaney of Jacksonville, Fla.

Members of the online community from both political parties can now vote for their favorite entry. The video receiving the greatest number of votes will win the contest and be announced on Aug. 14.

The Democratic winner will attend the party's convention in Denver; the Republican winner will go to the GOP convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul. In addition, the winners will spend a day on the campaign trail with the traveling press pools. The Democratic winner will follow Illinois Sen. Barrack Obama; the Republican winner will follow Arizona Sen. John McCain.