Democrats To Tout Calif. Recovery At Downtown LA Convention
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Members of the California Democratic Party began to gather Friday in downtown Los Angeles for their annual convention.
KNX 1070's Bob Brill reports delegates will flock to the Westin Bonaventure to finalize statewide, congressional and legislative endorsements over the three-day convention before adopting the 2014 party platform Sunday at the Convention Center.
Democrats To Tout Calif. Recovery At Downtown LA Convention
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti will be among a number of high-profile politicians scheduled to speak at the general session Saturday at the Los Angeles Convention Center, along with Gov. Jerry Brown, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) and Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom.
More than 3,000 delegates, officials, exhibitors and observers were also expected to attend the convention, which will focus on the theme of "Renewing California by Advancing Our Values."
John Burton, chairman of the California Democratic Party, said Brown deserves credit for tackling key issues affecting the state in his first term.
"Putting his prestige on the line for that tax increases that not only got us out of the red, but pretty good into the black," Burton said. "I think that's a very good sign for the Democrats."
And as for ongoing drought conditions facing California, which is now its third straight dry year?
"Not even Jerry Brown can make it rain, so that's a problem for all of us," said Burton.
Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., will speak at a luncheon Saturday, while San Antonio, Texas, Mayor Julian Castro and Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, will speak at a dinner Saturday.
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