E.L. woman serves as alternate at DNC

For the first time since she married East Lansing City Councilmember Nathan Triplett, Sarah Gonzales-Triplett is in the political forefront while her husband stands on the side.

Gonzales-Triplett is an alternate delegate to this year’s Democratic National Convention. Although she’s not able to get onto the Pepsi Center floor for convention activities, Gonzales-Triplett said she’s excited to be a part of “something that is so historic.”

“I’m really excited just to be there and be a part of it all,” she said.

Gonzales-Triplett’s husband, Nathan, is an Ingham County Commissioner and a representative for the Ingham County Democratic Party, among other political positions. He is with her in Denver, but this time, he is only along for the ride.

“It’s a strange role reversal,” she said.

Gonzales-Triplett said she was surprised to discover she had been selected as an alternate. To be considered, she had to submit an application months ago.

“My application was among hundreds of other people,” she said. “Somehow my name came out of that list. I feel incredibly lucky to be part of it all.”

Gonzales-Triplett has seen Barack Obama speak twice and got to meet him briefly during his May visit to Grand Rapids, but she said she is still just as excited about his speech tomorrow at Invesco Field — even if she can’t get into the arena to see it.

“It’s only getting better,” she said. “With all those people who are there for the same reason, it’s just gonna be insane.”

The only downside: Footing the bill for the plane, hotel and spending money for the week.

“It’s a misconception that people think the party (pays for expenses),” she said. “Those are all paid out of pocket.”

As an alternate, Gonzales-Triplett isn’t able to vote to nominate Obama unless one of the other delegates is unable to be present, but she is able to participate in all other convention related activities, including party caucuses, state delegation meetings and, of course, lots of parties.

“I’m not going to sleep a lot,” she said.