Democrats to convention

Genesee County delegates preparing for Democratic National Convention
by Kristin Longley The Flint Journal
Thursday August 21, 2008, 5:34 PM

After more than three decades with the Democratic Party, state Rep. Lee Gonzales is finally realizing one of his political dreams.

See
http://www.mlive.com/flintjournal/index.ssf/2008/08/genesee_county_delegates_prepa.html

The Flint Township resident will join at least six other locals next week as Michigan delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Denver.The coveted spot will afford the delegates a first-hand view of a historic presidential nomination, as U.S. Sen. Barack Obama becomes the first black nominee of any major political party.

"It's exhilarating," Gonzales said as he prepared for his Sunday departure. "This is a valuable opportunity."


For Gonzales and at least two other area delegates, this is the first time they will travel to the convention, where their only official duties are to hobnob with party leaders, cheer wildly and cast their votes for a presidential nominee.

A typical day at the convention includes meetings and convention business, but there's usually time to squeeze in some sightseeing and local nightlife.First-time delegate Michael Behm, a Flint attorney, said he's received a flood of invitations to convention events, meetings and discussions.

He already has mapped out a calendar of the most interesting occasions."It will be really interesting just from a fly-on-the-wall perspective to see how things operate," he said. "I'm not entirely sure what's going to occur, but I think it will be fun.

"In an effort to share the experience with others, Gonzales has started a convention blog. He plans to write about the daily goings-on, important announcements and his thoughts on being a delegate.

"The events are really varied and diverse and I want to take in as much as possible," he said. "Denver is a really neat community, and each day's schedule is completely full."Technically, Obama is to get 59 of the state's delegates, while Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton is to get 69, according to a formula proposed by the state party and approved by the Democratic National Committee.

There also is a contingent of unpledged superdelegates.But the Michigan Democratic Party expects all of the Clinton delegates to vote for Obama, spokeswoman Liz Kerr has said.Local Clinton delegates include Gonzales, Behm, Genesee County Democratic Party Chairman Ron Duncan and Flint resident Vicki Price. Obama delegates include Genesee County Democratic Black Caucus chairwoman Gerri Hall, county party Secretary Sally Shaheen Joseph and former state Rep. Floyd Clack, husband of current state Rep. Brenda Clack. Both U.S. Rep. Dale E. Kildee of Flint and Lt. Gov. John D. Cherry Jr. of Vienna Township are superdelegates.

Gonzales said he also is looking forward to learning the vice presidential pick.With the convention opening Monday, Obama has remained quiet about his running mate. But he plans to appear with the person Saturday, after the pick is announced via text message to supporters.

Possible running mates are Govs. Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas and Tim Kaine of Virginia, and Sens. Evan Bayh of Indiana and Joe Biden of Delaware.