Local representatives attend Democratic National Convention

FARMERSBURG, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Democrats from across the United States are gathered in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention, including two local representatives.

Vigo County Democratic Party Chair Joe Etling and Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun are both attending the DNC for the first time. Sakbun says that the passing of the torch from President Biden to Vice President Kamala Harris is a sign of good things to come.

“That was not the hardest day of President Biden’s life,” Sakbun said. “He lost a family member, a child, very early on in his career and he’s been very vocal that this is a tough decision, but by no means is this a bad day. I’ve had worse days before this. This is a positive day and a positive step into the future.”

Etling says that the change to Harris sent a surge of energy through the Democratic Party not only nationally, but all the way down to the local level.

“I think to outline the policies that she would implement as the President of the United States,” Etling said. “I think the energy that’s been created throughout our party and throughout the country, and really we’ve seen throughout Vigo County has been tremendous and we are very excited about our campaign for our local candidates and having that energy continue through the general election.”

Mayor Sakbun says he looks forward to the conversation and networking with Democrats from across the nation.

“This isn’t an offense or defense fight,” Sakbun said. “This is a fight of here is our collective vision on how we can help the everyday American person and it’s been exciting to see that, I don’t like leaving Terre Haute very often at all, so I’m just here for a very short time, and a little anxious, always checking my phone for work stuff, but it’s been good.”

President Biden is scheduled to be the keynote speaker tonight, and former president Barack Obama is slated to headline tomorrow night.

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