CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Last week, all the attention was on Tampa and the Republican National Convention. We talked to some of Idaho's 32 delegates there who said it was quite an inspiring event.
But now, attention has shifted to Charlotte for the Democratic National Convention. Idaho has 31 delegates there who also have glowing reports about their event.
Besides Idaho's delegates casting their 31 votes to help get President Obama the official nomination, they've been doing what you'd expect they'd be doing at this event, a lot of cheering and rallying.
But, there's also media there from around the country, and that means delegates are in demand for interviews.
"The outlets range from local to Geraldo Rivera," said Boise Mayor Dave Bieter.
Bieter is in Charlotte as a delegate, but he says he's also taken the opportunity to get the City of Trees some free advertising.
"I've been able to do about a half-dozen interviews from sources all around the country talking about Boise," said Bieter. "That's my job no matter where I am, no matter what's going on. I've had a chance to talk about the advantages of the city, why it's an attractive place."
Larry Grant, Chair of the State's Democratic Party, is also a delegate in North Carolina. He thinks the excitement brought back to Idaho by this delegation will reverberate into the November state elections and help the Democrats chip away at their massive minority in the Statehouse.
"What we'll bring back with us is the enthusiasm, not just for Obama, but for our local candidates. I believe we're going to pick up some seats in the Legislature," said Grant. "We need to have some balance."
Bieter and every one of the delegates we talked to said they were very impressed so far with the Convention, especially the speakers. President Obama's big acceptance speech will be on Channel 7 tonight.
