When I approached the Napa Valley Register about blogging from the Democratic National Convention, web guru Dan Ross suggested an introduction piece. So in the words of Ross Perot's VP running mate James Stockdale...who am I and why am I here?

Hi, I'm Tracy Krumpen and I'm a district level delegate (also known as a pledged delegate) for Barack Obama representing Congressional District 1. I'm no one special. Really. I'm not a Party insider. I'm not a paid political consultant. I work full time (not in politics) and live in Napa with my husband JL Sousa (Yes, the same JL Sousa that's Photo Editor).  I'm the Get Out the Vote Co-Chair for the Democrats of Napa Valley and Vice Chair of the Napa County Democratic Central Committee.  But this is all done on my own time and my own dime...or dimes in most cases. I'm strictly a volunteer.

So how did I here and become an Obama delegate? I could bore you with the nuances of the Party rules, caucuses and proposed slates. But your eyes would glaze over. Simply put, there was an election and because of supporters, friends, and friends of friends, I received enough votes to secure a slot as a district level delegate. But there's more to it than just the delegate election.

I'm here because of the hard work and dedication I've given to the local Democratic Party grassroots movement. I'm here because people like Sandee Dickson, Sarah Martin, Dotty Hopkins and Vicki Elting took me under their wing, encouraged me and supported me early on. There are many other people that have inspired and encouraged me along the way, but these four were instrumental. I'm here because through my involvement with Leadership Napa Valley (Class XXI -- the best class EVER), I found the courage to run as a delegate.

So as August 25th nears, let's get this Party started! I hope you enjoy our journey to Denver.