Southwest Missourians take in Democratic National Convention

MISSOURI — Many Missourians will be in Chicago, Illinois this week as part of the Democratic National Convention.

Including Doug Greiner, a first-time delegate on the national stage.

“This is my first time being a delegate. I’ve been a delegate to the state convention before, but never to the national. I thought it’d be fun, interesting and exciting to be a delegate this year,” Greiner said. “I ran at the 7th Congressional mass meeting and I was fortunate enough to be elected by the delegates there and that’s how I got here.”

He said in a state that has traditionally leaned red, it was important to speak up for other democrats in Southwest Missouri.

“I think it’s incredibly important to be represented. Democrats in Southwest Missouri, there are a lot of Democrats in southwest Missouri, and I’m honored to be here. I’m honored to have been selected, to be here and to take the voice of the democrats in the 7th Congressional District all the way to the national convention,” Greiner said. “It’s great to be [somewhere with] this much energy. We’re looking forward to the rest of the convention and moving forward and working to the November election.”

Greiner adds while there was uncertainty amongst the democratic party when the news broke that President Joe Biden was dropping out of the race, there’s been a quick burst of energy for Vice President Kamala Harris.

“I felt it in Springfield shortly after Kamala [became the leading candidate], and there was a lot of energy. I’m hearing it up here and feeling and feeling it up here, too,” Greiner said.

Mike Hamra, the Springfield businessman who fell short August 6 to secure the democratic nominee for Missouri Governor is attending the convention, support he says wouldn’t waver regardless of his primary election.

“I said even on the campaign trail that it’s important for people to be engaged. I’m living proof that I’m staying engaged. I’m not going anywhere. The stakes are very high for our state and our country,” Hamra said. “That’s why I’m here, because I’m rallying with other people to continue to build that momentum and support the Harris-Walz campaign and winning this general election.”

He says the convention isn’t a vacation.

“The day continues on with activities, events, whether it’s the state of Missouri that’s doing something or whether it’s other organizations that are here to support the convention,” Hamra said. “The convention will be at night all the way through 10:00 almost every night. These are full days. It’s not a vacation. It’s a time to get connected and work with people and build the party momentum.”

With several speakers throughout the days, including Former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, as well as Former Secretary of State and unsuccessful president hopeful Hillary Clinton, Greiner and Hamra say it’s not possible to pick one name they’re looking forward to the most.

“If I had to pick one person, I don’t know if I could. I really don’t know. I’m looking forward to each night. There are wonderful speakers,” Greiner said.

“I think each night represents a night to remind Americans why things work. We have great leaders that will be on the podium speaking to the delegates and speaking to the American people every night. I’m excited about each and every night of this convention. They have a phenomenal lineup of leadership in this country, whether they served our country or whether they’re currently serving our country,” Hamra said. “I think it will be hard not to watch each night of the convention.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.