Democrats Hold State Convention

Democratic Party chairman Ron Oliver told party members yesterday that they must focus on electing a Democratic governor in 2006. Speaking at the party`s state convention to elect delegate to the Democratic National Convention, Oliver said the number one task for 2006 needs to be electing a Democratic governor. Oliver rallied members, telling them that Democrats hold five of the state`s six federal offices and that a victory by state Representative Jan Judy`s over incumbent U-S. Rep. John Boozman this fall in northwest Arkansas would give them all six seats. At the end of his speech, Oliver asked to be elected to another term as party chairman in January. After Oliver`s speech, there were cheers when likely Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry was mentioned. The delegates then divided into four groups, one for each of the state`s congressional districts, to decide who would attend the Democratic National Convention in Boston next month. Arkansas Democrats elected the remaining 31 delegates and alternates for next month`s national convention. Overall, the state receives 46 delegate slots. The other 15 slots are filled by elected officials, federal office holders and party officers.