Drury student attends Democratic convention

Her visit was part of The Washington Center’s Campaign 2008 academic seminar series, and she will receive three hours of political science credit for her participation.

“It is such an honor to represent Drury University at the Democratic National Convention,” Daily said in a news release. “I hope to make a change in the United States as a young leader in this year’s presidential race and learn how to continue to make a change when I become a professional.”

Daily and other student participants, who hail from 42 states, the District of Columbia and nine countries, arrived early in Denver for a week of academic seminars and lectures about the political process and factors that play into a party’s selection of presidential and vice presidential nominees. Among the issues considered by participants are the role of national political conventions in modern American politics, how delegates shape a party’s platform and how the media shapes a party nominee’s image.

During her visit to the convention, Daily also was to tour Denver, meet the local Democratic delegation and participate in at least six hours of field work with Jack Cardetti, communication director of the Missouri Democratic Party.

Most student participants – who have an average grade point average of 3.48 – were nominated to attend the convention and approved by their colleges or universities before selection by The Washington Center, according to the release. Daily was nominated by Drury President Todd Parnell and a board of faculty members.