Wisconsin Democratic delegates eager to kick off Convention
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- The Democratic National Convention officially kicks off in Charlotte, North Carolina Tuesday, September 4th. On Labor Day and the eve of the start of the Convention, Wisconsin's delegates were applauded for taking on Gov. Scott Walker in the recall election. Additionally, labor leaders attempted to get delegates fired up to take on Mitt Romney in the presidential election.
Wisconsin delegates labored on Labor Day -- in preparation of Opening Day of the 2012 DNC Tuesday.
One question facing Democrats after stinging defeats in the labor movement following the Gov. Walker recall attempt, how do Democrats fire up their base for yet another campaign? One way is to bring in a charismatic national labor leader.
Over breakfast Monday morning, AFSCME President Larry Saunders told Wisconsin delegates if the labor movement works as hard for President Barack Obama as it did in the Gov. Walker recall attempt, the Mitt Romney/Paul Ryan ticket would be toast.
"That's what we're going to do in November with your toughness, your grit, your determination. We're going to win Wisconsin and we're going to re-elect Barack Obama. We're going to send Paul Ryan back to Janesville," Saunders said.
Saunders called Wisconsin the key front in the battle to save collective bargaining rights.
"Isn't it ironic that in 2011 and 2012, we are still fighting that same fight that we fought 75 years ago?" Saunders said.
Despite a huge loss in the recall, Democrats say they have the energy to work to see Obama re-elected.
"We took a hit in the recall, but you know what, we bounce back," Stephanie Findley said.
"That gives you more determination to get out there and to work really hard," Brenda Gauthier said.
Saunders wrapped up his fiery speech mocking Clint Eastwood's bizarre performance on the final night of the Republican National Convention.
"We're going to fight every single day here for our right to collectively bargain, for our right to organize, for our right to speak up, for our right to represent working families. That's who we are. That's who you are. We've got to fight every single day," Saunders said.
The delegates had a number of other events planned for Monday, including meetings and parades.
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