Annapolis to DNC: Meet Delegate Sarah Flynn

The Democratic National Convention (DNC) kicks off on Tuesday in Charlotte, NC, and Sarah Flynn will be there as a delegate. The Annapolitan took a few moments to answer Patch's questions about what she hopes to see and accomplish.

On Being a Delegate 

"I have watched Democratic conventions on televisions since I was 18," Flynn said. "It’s thrilling to get to be a delegate."

This isn't Fylnn's first live convention; she flew out to Denver in 2008 as a guest. Flynn said there will be some stark differences between going as a guest and going as a delegate.

"I will have certain events that I know I will get into," Flynn said. "As a guest, I had to rely on the kindness of delegates to offer me extra credentials."

It's a kindness Flynn said she hopes she will be able to repay.

Flynn has been active in the Maryland Democratic party since she moved to the state in 1994. She was elected deputy secretary of the Maryland Democratic Party in 2006. Flynn served as deputy secretary until 2010 when she resigned in 2010 to serve as campaign manager for Annapolis resident and House Speaker Michael Busch.

How this convention is different from 2008

"It will be exciting in a different way," Flynn said. "A lot of people say that there isn’t as much energy this time, but I really think coming out of the convention that the energy will pick up and people will realize that they have to get out there and campaign in Maryland."

On Maryland's prominent speaking roles

Gov. Martin O'Malley will speak on Tuesday night at 10 p.m. to the entire convention, and Flynn said she thinks the exposure will be great for Maryland.

"He’s good at riling up the troops and getting people energized," Flynn said.

Flynn's also excited about Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) convention speech where she will highlight the record breaking 12 female Democrats who are running for Senate this year. Mikulski is the longest serving woman in the history of Congress.

What she hopes to get from convention

Flynn said she loved connecting with other activists from across the country at the 2008 convention, and she hopes to be able to do the same thing again in 2012.

"I met a lot of people I hadn’t met before," Flynn said. "It was fun; it was energizing. I hear there are more grassroots activists at this convention than any other."

In 2008, Flynn was president of District 30 Democratic Club, "a lot of what I did was communicating with volunteers about what they could do." She said it will be a nice change of pace to talk with like-minded Democrats about what they are doing in their hometowns. 

What will be the best part

"I guess I’m most looking forward to the president’s speech," Flynn said. "He gave a fantastic speech in Denver in 2008, and I think he will do the same this time."

For a full list of Maryland's Democratic delegates to Charlotte, click here.