Local Delegates Head Off to Democratic Convention

Ready to energize the party, a local delegate to the Democratic National Convention says the event next week in North Carolina will be very positive. Hillary Blackerby leaves Monday night after a party barbecue in Oak Park.”We know in California, the message of the Democratic Party is resounded, to the point that the California Republican Party is closing up shop,” said Blackerby.She says, the undecided and voters who list themselves as Independent, are still a vital target. “Conventions are always a time to energize the base of one’s party but also to expand it and talk big ideas and talk about how we are going to reach those who are undecided. I personally don’t under stand how you can be undecided at this point, but people take their time,” said Blackerby.Coming off the Republican convention that concluded in Tampa last night local delegate Andrew Firestone told KEY News by phone”different times call for different types of leaders.” Firestone was on the convention floor Thursday night when Mitt Romney accepted the party’s nomination. He called Romney a “turn around specialist,” with a strong back ground in running successful businesses. Firestone says it’s exactly what the country needs.”Things have gotten progressively worse,the economy is sluggish unemployment grew from 8.2 percent in June 8.3 percent in July.23 million people are out of work. What I got out of this is Mitt Romney is a really, really good manager.”But next week it’s the Democratic Party in the spotlight.”We’re excited to move forward. They’re gonna do what they’re gonna do. We’re gonna be out spent seven to one,” said Blackerby.”The stakes are very very high this time and if you don’t get out and vote who knows what we can get.”KEY News Senior Reporter John Palminteri has the story.