Attending the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina on September 4 – 6, 2012 was Denny FitzPatrick of Grand Marais. FitzPatrick is the first Cook County resident to attend a Democratic National Convention as an elected delegate from Minnesota. FitzPatrick said the experience was “amazing.” He is pictured here at the convention center, overlooking the seats of the Minnesota delegation.
Denny FitzPatrick became the first Cook County resident to attend a Democratic National Convention as an elected delegate from Minnesota. FitzPatrick was among the 99 Minnesota delegates present at the convention center in Charlotte, North Carolina September 4-6, 2012. Nearly 6,000 delegates from around the nation attended the convention to nominate President Barack Obama for a second term in office.
FitzPatrick said the theme of being stronger together was reflected in the striking amount of diversity he witnessed there. “Young and old from many walks of life and ethnic backgrounds enthusiastically expressed their support for universal health care, women’s reproductive rights, equal pay for equal work, strengthening education, caring for the environment, and building an economy for all. They shared concerns about marriage restriction and voter suppression,” said FitzPatrick.
An excited FitzPatrick was interviewed by the Minneapolis Star-Tribune Washington D.C. bureau in an article comparing the “spirit of Denver” in 2008 with the 2012 campaign. FitzPatrick told the Star-Tribune, “I still have the fire in my heart.”
The Minnesota delegation enjoyed breakfast together every morning, with presentations by invited representatives and leaders, including the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Gov. Mark Dayton. Among FitzPatrick’s highlights was presenting peace scarves to Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Sen. Al Franken in celebration of International Peace Day on September 21.
FitzPatrick extended “gratitude and appreciation” to the donors and supporters who made his trip to the national convention possible. FitzPatrick encourages every eligible voter in Cook County to vote in the upcoming election.
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