This story was originally published by Public News Service.
By Joe Ulery, producer
Public News Service
August 16, 2024
Indiana will be represented by about 90 delegates at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next week.
Michael Schmuhl, chairman of the Indiana Democratic Party, is brimming with enthusiasm as the state prepares to send its delegation to the convention, which begins Monday. Schmuhl said the total contingent is expected to number close to 120 people,including guests and family members.
“Obviously, our convention is later than the Republican one by a few weeks,” Schmuhl noted. “A lot has happened in the last month or soon the Democratic side, and there’s just huge enthusiasm.”
Despite Indiana not being a key presidential battleground state this cycle, Schmuhl remains hopeful. He pointed out the Democratic National Committee is investing significantly in Indiana to boost voter turnout and organize grassroots efforts.
Schmuhl also highlighted the challenges posed by the state’s voter registration laws, which he believes could do more to make voting easier. Indiana is among the “reddest” states in the Midwest but Hoosiers put the state in the Democrats’ column for President Barack Obama in 2008, which had not happened in the state since 1964.
“I’m hopeful that investment leads to more turnout,” Schmuhl explained. “I would love to see Indiana turn ‘blue.’ It’s a tall order, but I’m excited about not only the presidential ticket at the top, but also our statewide ticket and a lot of our down-ballot races, too.”
He stressed the importance of mobilizing college students and young voters, whom he said are vital to the party’s strategy.
