Progressive Group Netroots Nation Gathers In Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A progressive activist group that played a significant role in the election of President Obama in 2008 is holding its annual convention in Minneapolis.

The 2012 election cycle already has begun and the more than 2,000 attendees of the Netroots Nation convention will discuss issues and strategies for the political battles ahead.

"Some of the sheen about being excited about Obama getting elected has certainly worn off," said Raven Brooks, executive director of Netroots Nation.

While he said he feels confident Obama will win re-election, he said he believes the economy will be a complicating factor.

"You know if the economy is not doing well when the election happens that's not good for the incumbent party," said Brooks.

But that's not the only concern of these progressives.

"I mean the economy is certainly a big one. I think immigration is, you know, a strong number two there," Brooks said.

He also said he believes President Obama should court the Latino vote.

"The other thing, I think, that's a big question mark is Latinos because they have shown in a lot of states to be the difference making block," said Brooks.

Brooks said Obama has not lived up to a campaign promise to deal with immigration.

The Netroots Nation convention runs Thursday through Sunday at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

NewsRadio 830 WCCO's Bruce Hagevik Reports