Democrats choose two locals for delegates

A Laguna Beach resident was among four delegates chosen at Democratic caucuses to attend the National Convention as representatives of the 48th Congressional District, which includes Laguna Beach.

Frank Barbaro, chairman of the Orange County Democratic Party Central Committee, was elected as the male Hillary Clinton delegate, but might give up his partisan position.

“I still could be selected as an uncommitted super delegate,” Barbaro said. “In that case the next highest [male] vote-getter at the caucus would replace me as a Hillary delegate.”

Barbaro has been chairman of the central committee for six years, this time around. He also served in the 1970s.

One man and one woman were elected from each of the Clinton and Obama campaigns at separate caucuses April 12 to go to the convention, set for Aug. 25-28 in Denver.

Laguna Beach City Councilwoman Toni Iseman was the runner-up for the female Barack Obama delegate. Iseman said she would be the delegate to the convention if the top female vote-getter, Davida Hopkins-Parham, is unable to attend.

Laguna Beach Democratic Club member Pat Chatlin came in third.

Steven Young was elected as male Obama delegate. Lindy Gardner was elected as the female Clinton delegate. All registered Democrats who live in the 48th Congressional District were eligible to vote for delegates.

According to a press release from Young, more than 250 people attended the Obama caucus to select delegates from the 31 candidates.

BARBARA DIAMOND can be reached at (949) 494-4321 or [email protected].