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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — This isn’t just a party for Barack Obama — it’s also an unmatched career opportunity for a batch of up-and-coming pols to shine on the national stage and lay a path to higher office.
Among those looking to seize the moment are a state legislator whose brother will give one of the week’s biggest speeches, an ambitious attorney general and a city councilwoman from Hawaii trying to become the first Hindu-American elected to Congress.
Continue ReadingSome of them aren’t yet well known to the party faithful, but a commanding speaking performance could quickly change that.
Here’s POLITICO’s look at five Democrats to watch in Charlotte:
JOAQUIN CASTRO
Much attention this week will be focused on Julian Castro, the San Antonio mayor and convention keynoter.
But Joaquin Castro, the mayor’s twin brother, will also be under the bright lights.
A Texas state representative who is on a glide path to winning a congressional seat, Castro will be introducing his brother on Tuesday evening. He’ll also be hopscotching to a long list of House Democratic-sponsored events, including a dinner for the party’s leadership and a gathering with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
It’s all part of Castro’s effort to ingratiate himself with Democratic higher-ups before he arrives in Washington in January. The up-and-comer has already transferred over $100,000 from his campaign account to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and House candidates who face far tougher races than he does.
The Castro brothers present an important face for Democrats at a time when the party is trying to intensify its appeal to Hispanic voters.
Castro said he would focus his remarks on telling the story of his brother and his tenure as mayor. He said he’d already seen drafts of the address, promising, “I think he’s prepared a great speech.”
JOYCE BEATTY
Beatty hasn’t yet been elected to the House — she’s expected to coast in November — but she’s already emerged as a favorite of party leaders. Last month, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi traveled to Beatty’s Columbus, Ohio, district for a forum with her on health care policy.
Now, she’s been rewarded with a speaking slot in Charlotte. A former state House minority leader, she’s one of several female congressional candidates slated to address delegates.
Beatty told POLITICO that her speech would focus on what’s likely to be a prominent theme for Democrats: the role of women in the economy.
Also on tap for Beatty: a full slate of leadership-sponsored events including a Pelosi confab, a luncheon hosted by DCCC Chairman Steve Israel and events for House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer and South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn.
Like Castro, Beatty has worked hard to grease the wheels of leadership: She’s shipped off $25,000 to the DCCC.
