Local Dems head to NC for convention

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - National attention is shifting from the Republicans to the Democrats as their national convention begins Tuesday in North Carolina.

Western New York's local delegation is heading to Charlotte, North Carolina. Democratic Convention honored guest Jeremy Zellner is among them. He was in Denver four years ago when Barack Obama accepted his party's nomination for president.

"It's just an exciting time down there. It's like the Super Bowl for political wonks," Zellner said.

He supports President Barack Obama.

Zellner stated, "I believe saving those million and a half jobs in the auto industry was the right idea. I think providing health care to 32 million more Americans is the right idea."

Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan journeyed to Greenville, North Carolina to try and keep his party's momentum following their convention in Tampa.

Erie County GOP Chairman Nick Langworthy said, "Well, I think the question between now and November the 6th is: "Are you better off than you were four years ago?" And that's the classic line that Ronald Reagan asked."

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, who is attending the convention, said, "Our plan and policies are completely different than Mitt Romney's and the Republicans, who really don't have any plans. Right now they've become basically the party of "No."

Some Democrats wonder why the convention is being held in North Carolina. A majority of voters there banned same-sex marriage in May.

Kitty Lambert, whose marriage to Cheryl Rudd was the first same-sex marriage performed in New York State, is a delegate and hopes to change some minds in North Carolina and throughout the country.

"You don't take "no" for an answer. You keep doing this until you, as an American, get your rights," said Lambert, the Governor's Delegate-at-Large.

Actor Jeff Bridges is among the entertainers at a Charlotte festival leading up the convention open, when Democrats will focus on one objective: to get President Obama re-elected.