Both Republican and Democratic parties will be holding county conventions this Saturday. Democratic Party Chair Anita Martin tells KNIA/KRLS News that thirty-six delegates that were selected during the county caucuses will make the final decisions on the platform during that time, and eleven of those delegates will be elected to go onto the district and state conventions.

She notes that though the delegates are the only ones who vote, anyone is allowed to come to the convention and share their thoughts on what direction the party should take. The proposed platform is available on the Marion County Democratic Party website.

Martin adds that both Democratic candidates for the district’s House and Senate seats will be in attendance as well. Senate candidate Dick Schrad will appear at the convention at 11am, and House candidate Megan Suhr will be at the convention at about 11:15. Martin adds that US Represenative Dave Loebsack’s office has been in contact with her, and they will be trying to make an appearance as well if time allows.

The Democratic Party convention starts at 9am Saturday morning at the Knoxville Senior Citizen Center.

Marion County Republican Chair Irene Blom tells KNIA/KRLS News that the convention this weekend is the perfect time to make your voice heard in forming the party platform. She adds that anyone who wants to be a delegate at the convention, or going forward to the district and state conventions should contact her at 780-1057. The Republican convention starts at 9:00 AM at Madison Elementary school on Saturday.