Norton Pays Tribute to Fallen D.C. Soldier

DENVER -- Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton delivered a heartfelt and rousing push for D.C. voting rights during her convention speech this afternoon, vowing that the city will "keep the promise" for full representation to honor Darryl T. Dent, a soldier from the District who died in Iraq.

Norton was passionate during her five-minute address, which kicked off the second day of the convention. A hearty and enthusiastic D.C. delegation of more than 60 turned out to cheer her on, even though the rest of the Pepsi Center was largely empty. (The big-name speakers, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Mark Warner, were scheduled for prime time.)

"District residents risked their lives in battle in Iraq and Afghanistan," Norton said, even though the same residents have no voice in federal matters. She then mentioned Army Spec. Dent, 21, who was killed when a makeshift bomb struck his vehicle in Aug. 2003.

Norton challenged the Senate, "especially the Republicans," to match the House and pass the D.C. Voting Rights bill, which would give the District a House seat and another one to predominantly Republican Utah for balance.

"If George Bush won't sign the D.C. Voting Rights Act, its premier co-sponsor, the next president Barack Obama, will!" Norton finished, upon which the D.C. contingent stood and chanted "We demand the vote!"