By Anna Guido
Enquirer contributor

FAIRFIELD - Dan Moss has a lot of political contacts, but when asked how he wound up in the White House, he responds that it started with the fat content of meat.

In seventh grade, Moss was recognized by the Ohio House of Representatives for earning a perfect score on his state science fair project, which examined meat's fat content.

"I'll never forget that day," said Moss, a 2000 Fairfield High School graduate and White House volunteer. He credits that trip to Columbus with sparking his interest in politics. Moss is a junior at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., majoring in economics and public policy. He volunteers in White House presidential scheduling and this summer will be a White House intern.

He got his start at age 15, volunteering one day a week for then-state Rep. Mike Fox, now a Butler County Commissioner.

At George Washington, Moss is a senator in the student government, chairman of the College Republicans, and chairman of the finance committee that manages a $400,000 budget for student organizations.

Moss said he loves government work and credits Fox.

"He always helped me set the bar higher so I could achieve much more."

Fox said he believes Moss is pursuing a career in politics for all the right reasons and is pleased the youth is focused first on his education.

Moss plans to go to law school after completing his undergraduate work.

His mother, Darlene Moss, a retired teacher who lives in Fairfield, said she never doubted her son would go far: "What I want most for him is that he always remembers that people are important. I want him to have a good heart and make a difference in the world."

E-mail annag1129@cs.com