State delegates mixed on how DNC should go
MADISON - The Democratic National Convention is set to start in Milwaukee in two months, but Wisconsin delegates are looking for some direction.
They know how to get to Fiserv Forum, of course.
But they are unclear on just what awaits them when Democrats gather the week of Aug. 17 to nominate Joe Biden to take on President Donald Trump in the fall.
In interviews with the Journal Sentinel, several Wisconsin delegates said it is still too early to tell what will happen with a convention held in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic.
Many are set to go to Milwaukee, although others say a virtual convention might be the safest option.
Democratic National Committee
Chair Tom Perez said earlier this week that Democrats were ready to descend on the city and that he party would “not abandon Milwaukee.”
But Perez said that he wasn’t sure how many people would attend the convention because it is still unclear what the public health situation will be in mid-August.
Here’s what they are saying:
Vic Verma, a delegate from Merrill, said he would rather attend a virtual convention.
Verma said he is prepared to do whatever is necessary to fulfill his role as a delegate but noted he is concerned about attending an in-person convention.
“Given the current situation in our country, the risks that are involved and the fact that we have gone through the whole process of becoming a delegate virtually, I would like to perform my duties from home, virtually,” he said. “I think it’s the safer course of action.”
Verma said delegates should at least be given the option of choosing how they participate. Democrats are ironing out rules for virtual voting.
Verma acknowledged a virtual convention would limit the speeches and other fanfare that a normal convention would have — but he said that’s not the priority for delegates.
“Strictly speaking, we’re telling people to come in to cast a vote,” Verma said. “If it’s a question of ease, it’s much easier to do that virtually — and I’m a delegate, I should know.”
Laura Valderrama, from Madison, said she wouldn’t support an in-person convention if coronavirus infections and deaths continued to rise. But she also raised concerns about the integrity of a potential virtual convention.
“Clearly, a lot is being cut out,” she said. “That’s just not acceptable. They really have to find a way to make sure that these meetings are arranged and that our democracy is not being suppressed due to the potential virtual nature of the convention.”
Gary Hawley, a retired carpenter from Stevens Point, dismissed concerns over a virtual convention.
This is Hawley’s seventh time being elected as a delegate to the national convention. Although this year’s selection process was different from previous years, he said it was fine as long as everyone was prepared.
Hawley said he gets a list of candidates from his district before the official delegate selection, calls each one and has a chance to talk to them about what is important to them and why they would make a good delegate.
“I did the stuff ahead of time,” he said.
Jeremy Gragert, another delegate, echoed Hawley’s sentiments. Gragert noted that the delegate selection process was not ideal but said delegates had the opportunity to write personal statements. He said he spent hours reaching out to other delegates in his district.
“Most of the work for a convention, or anything we do if we want to have an impact, comes before the event itself,” he said. “That being said, there needs to be a credible procedure to assure maximum and equitable participation at a virtual convention, and I need to see that before I will be completely comfortable with it.”
Noel Ray-Ortega, a Bernie Sanders supporter from Milwaukee, said “it’s really important to show up for these things.”
“Unless things drastically change for the worse, I would 100% support an inperson convention,” she said.
She added that for her job as a hairdresser she doesn’t get a say in whether she shows up. But delegates should get a say in how they participate.
“I don’t think necessarily people need to come in and get their hair cut while I’m standing five inches from their face,” she said. “I do have a choice in showing up (at the convention) for a lot of people who need a voice right now.”
Tommy Molina, a first-time delegate from Milwaukee and an organizer with Voces de la Frontera, also wants the convention to be in person.
“Many of us feel like we’re in a bit of a paradox on one end,” Molina said. “We want the full experience, but at the same time there’s a very good chance the virus won’t be mitigated to a point where it’s safe to attend a large convention.”
Though Molina said he “selfishly” would like to see his city booming with business, he added that the Democrats’ public stance is one that favors science and facts.
And Democrats, he said, should stick with the science.
“My advice for policymakers would be: don’t cave,” Molina said. “The economic resources that would be lost to the city can come back. Any loss of life cannot.”