Local delegates ready for Democratic National Convention

PHILADELPHIA, Penn. — This year’s Democratic National Convention is something local delegates from Madison County say they’re looking forward to.

“Excitement and a lot of energy as the Democratic party prepares to nominate its first woman president — obviously there’s a lot of historical significance behind that,” said Byron Elam with the Madison County Democratic Party. Elam is serving as a delegate at this convention.

As Hillary Clinton is expected to take on the party’s nomination along with her vice presidential pick, Sen. Tim Kaine, Elam said one hot topic will center around Donald Trump’s nomination by the Republican party.

“A whole-hearted rejection of some of his rhetoric, obviously that will be a theme throughout the convention,” Elam said.

With DNC chairperson Debbie Wasserman Schultz deciding to step down after an email scandal, many delegates believe she made the right decision in her resignation.

“Obviously she did the right thing by resigning, which she should’ve done. I think that will basically take care of the issue,” Elam said.

The Democratic National Convention will end Thursday night before focus shifts to the November election.