Illinois State Senator Chapin Rose, of Illinois’ 52 District, said that there was a new level of energy at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland this week.
“The most interesting thing to me about this convention, unlike other conventions, it’s dominated by real people.” Rose said.
Senator Rose went on to suggest that many convention delegates had not participated in politics until this presidential race. According to him, many in the middle class feel that they have been excluded from having a say in how the country is run. As a result, more are participating in politics.
“It’s brand new.” Rose Said in reference to the Illinois State Delegation. “The delegates that are here with me, seventy to seventy-five percent of them have never been involved in politics before and here they are as elected delegates.”
Thursday is the final day of the convention, and also when Republican nominee Donald Trump will accept the party’s nomination. Trump recently selected Indiana Governor Mike Pence to be his running mate. Pence gave his RNC speech on Wednesday.
The national conventions, for both parties, are a chance for people to participate in the democratic system. “Democracy only works when people participate and you’re seeing people participate.” Senator Rose said.
You can listen to a full interview with State Senator Chapin Rose here!