Local Democrats rally behind Clinton
While thousands of Democrats gathered in Philadelphia for the Democratic National Convention last week, about 175 locals gathered at Irish Eyes Pub & Restaurant in Lewes to watch history in the making.
As the crowd waited for Hillary Clinton to speak on the final night of the convention, local representatives, residents and those running for public office encouraged the crowd to stand with her in the upcoming presidential election.
The July 28 party, hosted by the Representative District 20 Democratic Committee, raised more than $7,000 for local get-out-the-vote events and advertising.
Lewes resident Gene Tadlock, who said she is not usually active in political events, said she wanted to see history unfold as the first woman accepted a major political party's nomination for president.
“I am not a fan, but she is extremely smart,” Tadlock said. “It's wonderful to come here, and it's all ra-ra-ra, but there are people who think Trump is the answer. He's the problem.”
Former Bernie Sanders supporter Alex Deriemer, 26, said he is terrified by the prospect of Donald Trump as president. While he admits he's still going through some “Bernie withdrawal,” he's willing to support Clinton because he believes she is capable of continuing the progressive movement inspired by Sanders and his supporters.
“The progressive movement is more than just Bernie,” the Lewes resident said. “It can thrive under Hillary, too. But it will wither and die under a Donald Trump presidency.”
Clinton backers also took the opportunity to promote three local Democratic candidates: Barbara Vaughan, who is running for the 20th District state representative seat held by Steve Smyk; Leslie Ledogar, who is running for Sussex County Council's District 3 seat held by Joan Deaver, who is stepping down; and Charlie Koskey, a candidate for Sussex County Clerk of the Peace, an office held by John Brady.
“I’m taking a long-view approach toward this election,” Deriemer said. “There has to be a Democratic president.”
