Swampscott sisters head to DNC

SWAMPSCOTT-Politics runs deep and span two continents in one Swampscott family.Two sisters, one who lives in Italy and one residing in Oregon, have both been elected delegates to the Democratic National Convention.Swampscott natives Jo-Ann White, 51, and her sister Jane White-Quinn, 50, will both be voting delegates at the Democratic National Convention, which gets underway Aug. 25 in Denver.Jo-Ann, who has lived in Florence, Italy for 18 years, is vice-chairman of the Democrats Abroad Chapter in Italy.?This is my first time as a delegate and I’m thrilled,” she said. “For me as a political junkie it’s a dream come true- to be on the floor at the (Democratic National Convention) and cast my ballot. I’m consumed with politics. If there’s an election in Bangladesh, I’m following it. Being from Massachusetts you can’t help but be exposed to and interested in politics.”Even though she lives in Italy, Jo-Ann is a United States citizen and a registered voter in Massachusetts.?When I moved to Italy I continued to vote and donate money to the party,” she said. “Then I found an organization called Democrats Abroad. It is the overseas branch of the Democratic Party and it sends voting delegates to the Democratic National Convention.”Jo-Ann, who is a 1974 graduate of Swampscott High School, said she was elected as a Hillary Clinton delegate but she would cast her vote for Barack Obama.Jo-Ann is employed by Burberry, a clothing manufacturer, but much of her time is devoted to politics.?All my free time is spent working for Democrats Abroad,” she said. “I am consumed with politics and I am traveling constantly.”Jo-Ann’s younger sister Jane moved to the outskirts of Oregon two decades ago, but has stayed true to her Massachusetts Democrat roots.?After I moved I realized that Massachusetts Democrats are a different breed of Democrats,” Jane said. “It’s in their blood. Politics was a big thing in our house. I grew up in the Kennedy era and that had a huge influence on me. I love politics and am a political junkie from way back.”Jane, who is a substitute elementary school teacher, said she volunteered at the 2004 National Democratic Convention in Boston.?I was bitten by the convention bug then,” she said. “This is my first convention as a delegate and I’m looking forward to it.”Jane, a 1975 Swampscott High School graduate, resides outside Portland, Oregon with her husband and two college age children. Jane, also elected as a Hillary Clinton delegate, said she spent a lot of time working on the Clinton campaign.?It was a great experience,” Jane said. “I would love to have the opportunity to do it again. This is the first time my children will be voting for president. I’m leading by example. I wanted to show them one person can make a difference and every vote counts.”