Party's secretary has hats to spare

If Democrats are looking for a hat to throw into the ring, Democratic Party of Arkansas secretary Karen Garcia has several spares.

The Clinton delegate took a suitcase full of headgear -- one for each night of the convention.

They were purchased, she said, at the Lagniappe Shoppe in Hot Springs, a retailer that has "hats for the races, hats for churches and just special occasions and conventions."

Most of them were on sale, she added.

The hats make her easier to spot when the cameras pan on the Arkansas delegation.

This is her fourth national convention, and she estimates she's worn 15 hats overall. They're "different colors, but a lot of blue," she said.

Pollster says 2016 a 'change election'

PHILADELPHIA -- Pollster Peter Hart told members of the Arkansas delegation this week that Democrats face a dissatisfied electorate this year.

"Every election is either a continuity election or a change election," he said, adding, "This is a change election, and it's important to understand that because with our tenure in the White House, voters are looking for change."

Seventy percent of voters believe the nation is headed in the wrong direction, he said.

"The public is looking for a sense that we're not status quo but we're moving forward and we understand their insecurities," he said.

Fortunately for Democrats, the Republicans "blew it from beginning to end" when they gathered in Cleveland last week, he said.

Since 1964, "every time one party has had a good convention and the other party has had a contentious convention, the party that had the good convention ended up winning," he said. "That's how important this convention is."

A unified, well-organized Democratic Party that places an emphasis on economic issues can win in November, he added.

Bauxite teacher relishes his fame

After delivering a one-minute speech at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday, Bauxite schoolteacher Dustin Parsons is enjoying his 15 minutes of fame.

"It has been a remarkable experience. Last night, backstage, I was standing over beside [Scandal star] Tony Goldwyn just having a conversation. Meryl Streep, she was around," he said.

Television, radio and newspaper reporters are interviewing him. People in Saline County have been supportive.

Parsons said he's received an "overwhelmingly positive response from so many friends and family and students, parents and stuff like that."

The messages began arriving almost immediately. "Facebook, emails, text, Twitter, Instagram, all kinds of social media," he said. "The cool thing is I'm hearing from Democrats and Republicans."

He hopes his message helps boost Hillary Clinton, a candidate he said is committed to improving education.

"Back at home, they're saying, 'I'm proud of you,' and I hope they understood it wasn't for me. It was for the kids, and that's what it was all about."

2 Arkansans named to convention panel

The Democratic National Convention Committee appointed two Arkansans as convention officers this week.

The list of 13 vice chairmen included former U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor and Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin.

They will serve alongside other party officials, including six co-chairmen, a temporary chairman, a permanent chairman and an honorary chairman.

Pryor said the job hasn't been too demanding thus far. "I think it's pretty much an honorary position," he said. "I told them to call me if they need me for anything; I'd be glad to help."

At least one perk comes with the post, he said: a seat on the platform with a great view of the speakers and the Arkansas delegation.

A Section on 07/28/2016