REDUS, FLOWERS, ROBINSON SHARE MEMORIES OF DENVER CONVENTION

By Ezra Mann/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF

Pine Bluff might not come to mind when it comes to the Democratic National Convention, but for three delegates from Jefferson County, the experience was an event that is equally important.

Brandon Robinson, an attorney for the Bridges Young Matthews & Drake Law firm, Pine Bluff Mayor Carl A. Redus Jr., state Rep. Stephanie Flowers, D-Pine Bluff, and other members of the Arkansas delegation attended the convention in Denver, Colo. from Aug. 25-28 to welcome the nomination of Barack Obama as their presidential candidate.

The delegates all stayed at the same hotel, sharing it with delegates from Delaware as well as Hawaii, and heard speakers including U.S. Rep. Mike Ross, D-Prescott and Gov. Mike Beebe in the morning before the days’ events, said Robinson.

“That was something to see all those people going into the stadium,” added Robinson. “It’s a very electric feeling because you can’t really appreciate it on TV.”

People from all walks of life attended and was complimented by appearances from celebrities who also attended a speech by former President Bill Clinton, who met many of the Arkansas Delegates, said Robinson. Democratic Party Chairman Bill Gwatney’s widow, Rebecca Gwatney, represented her husband at the event and sat next to Bill Clinton during Hillary Clinton’s speech.

“It will go down as one of my most emotional moments and a very historic moment in my life,” said Redus, who enjoyed participating in discussions about energy and taking part in caucuses. “I was honored and very proud to not only represent the citizens of Pine Bluff, but the state as a whole.”

Flowers, who drove out with a caravan of fellow Pine Bluff residents, said the experience was a blessing for her with plenty of chances to meet other legislators as well as discuss issues that are shared in other communities. She noted that she is hopeful Arkansas is in the win column for Obama and felt her first convention was an excellent opportunity to learn about improving policy.

“I feel closer to the Democratic party and was pleased to meet Obama’s sister who spoke to us,” added Flowers. “I have a better understanding and appreciation for the party.”