LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Though they're headed to a national convention where the talk will zero in on the presidential race, Arkansas' top Democrats say they're keeping their focus on state-level politics.
The agenda for the state's delegation at the national convention in Charlotte, N.C., this week shows just how much state party leaders want to emphasize what they call Arkansas' distinct brand of Democrats.
With a fundraiser featuring former President Bill Clinton and an event honoring Gov. Mike Beebe, the party is highlighting two of its favorite political sons. It's also distancing itself from President Barack Obama, who remains deeply unpopular in Arkansas.
Delegates say they want to keep the focus on Arkansas, as they try to prevent Republicans from winning control of the state Legislature for the first time since Reconstruction.
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