DNC Opens With Access To All

Stephanie Carroll Carson, Public New Service

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – All eyes are on North Carolina this week, where the Democratic National Convention is taking place in Charlotte. Organizers are calling it the most accessible convention in history. It kicked off Monday with the CarolinaFest, a free, family-friendly event taking place right outside of the Time Warner Cable Arena.

Gary Ritter of Charlotte brought his two sons to the festivities.

“They have the Legacy Village so I wanted them to see that and just be a part of that. This is probably the only time the convention will ever come to Charlotte.”

An Elon University poll, based on phone calls made last week and released Monday, has Republican nominee Mitt Romney with a slight lead over President Obama in North Carolina.

North Carolina has been referred to as a swing state, and political commentators are calling it a real “toss up.”

Hilda Wiltz says she came here because she wants to be part of the Obama movement.

“Allowing somebody to register and go to the caucuses and learn and hear and interface with people – it is a wonderful thing. ”

On Monday, members of state delegations met at various locations around the city, and several caucuses met inside of the convention center. North Carolina has a total of 157 delegates.

This article was first published by Public News Service.

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