By By TED STRONG
Staff Writer
Ed Booth is more than excited about Barack Obama. And he’s nearly beside himself to be going to the Democratic National Convention in Denver next week to support him.
He said the Illinois senator’s clinching of the Democratic nomination — the first time a black candidate has done so — was a momentous event in the nation’s history.
Booth, who will be accompanied by his wife, Eltha, even has a few Barrack t-shirts he can wear on the convention floor, he said.
Obama clinched the nomination during the primary season, but will officially assume the mantle on the convention’s last night when the party’s delegates symbolically vote him in.
Beaufort County Democratic Party Chairman Surry Everett said he’s glad Booth is getting the chance to go.
Booth is a pledged Obama delegate, he said.
The party recently decided to call Hillary Clinton’s name at the convention in a symbolic nod to Obama’s opponent in the primary races.
But Booth said he’s heard lots of support for Obama from Clinton’s supporters, and said he would have made the same decision.
Everett said the only thing he’s sending with Booth is a message: “Keep going and let’s win.”
And Booth said he’s excited to listen to what he called “a good slate of speeches.”
Speakers are expected to include Michelle Obama, the senator’s wife, Clinton and Ted Kennedy, Booth said.
He’s also looking forward to attending the many presentations and receptions sponsored by key groups. He said he wants to attend events put on by civil rights groups, the National Association of County Commissioners, and veterans, among others.
Booth has tried to be a delegate before, but he always bowed out, he said. This time, he was ready to bow out again when his competition didn’t show up to any of the local conventions that generate delegates for the national show. When that happened, he floated his own name and ended up the top vote-getter, Booth said.
The two districts that run through Beaufort County include lots of people, Everett said.