CHICAGO, Ill. (WFRV) – There’s been plenty of Northeast Wisconsin representation at the Democratic National Convention this week.
Among the Wisconsin delegates, many of whom wore cheeseheads on Tuesday night, were familiar faces like Governor Tony Evers. But there were also people from Northeast Wisconsin like first-time delegate Marsie Hartman from Sturgeon Bay.
“I am absolutely blown away by all the details that have been covered by the Democratic convention committee,” said Hartman. “Grateful for the warmth and realness of everyone I meet.”
In an interview with Local 5 News on Tuesday afternoon, Hartman said she became more interested in politics recently because she’s concerned about her granddaughters’ and nieces’ futures. She said climate change and women’s healthcare are among the issues she’s most interested in for this election.
She said she loves being among like-minded individuals at the Democratic National Convention and that some of the speeches she’s watched so far have brought her to the verge of tears.
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“We just felt like one big family, the sense of unity within the party is overwhelming and the patriotism is so deeply felt,” said Hartman. “Believing that democracy is going to live and be fruitful.”
She said she’s looking forward to hearing from Vice President Kamala Harris who is expected to speak later this week.
“She’s so intelligent, she’s so wise,” Hartman said about Vice President Harris. “She’s going to be ready on day one I firmly believe that.”
Hartman isn’t the only Northeast Wisconsinite at the Democratic National Convention this week. Drew Thibodeaux was also there on Monday but for a much different reason.
“We showed up to call for an immediate end to the funding for Israel’s military,” said Thibodeaux. “I have no faith in either party (Republicans or Democrats) helping out and ending this.”
Thibodeaux was one of the thousands of protesters in the streets of Chicago this week to march on the Democratic National Convention. She said they were there to demand the United States government stop supporting Israel’s war effort in Gaza and for Israel to stop occupying Gaza as well.
She was there with several other members of ‘Hate Free Outagamie’ a group that fights for social justice throughout Northeast Wisconsin.
Courtesy: Hate Free Outagamie
Courtesy: Hate Free Outagamie
Courtesy: Hate Free Outagamie
“We’re not just going to sit around, we’re going to do this again,” said Thibodeaux. “This is historical progress people will recognize that.”
She said that Vice President Harris hasn’t earned her vote because she continues to support Israel.
“Kamala needs to call for a ceasefire as well as call for an end to all aid to Israel,” said Thibodeaux.
The Democratic National Convention’s official website estimates that 50,000 people from around the country will come to Chicago for the convention this week.
We’re told that some members of the ‘Hate Free Outagamie’ group plan to return to Chicago on Thursday to take part in protests again.
