With the Democratic convention going on this week in Philadelphia and November’s election within four months, a number of local DFLers said they are enthusiastic about presumptive nominee Hillary Clinton.

Candidate for District 27A Rep. Gary Schindler said he supports Clinton’s candidacy because of her qualifications for the position forged from her time as first lady, U.S. senator and secretary of state.

“To me, those are the skills you need to be president of the United States,” Schindler said, noting his belief that her skillsets are especially needed in the wake of terrorist attacks and other world events.

Schindler said he embraces her desire to expand access to college education, noting his disagreement with former presidential candidate and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders’ call to make public education free for students.

Other areas in which Schindler agrees with Clinton are on equal pay for women, support for pre-school, investing in infrastructure — an issue Schindler said is a local and a national one — and protecting Social Security and Medicare.

He said he plans to vote for her in November, noting his belief that her message has been about unifying people as opposed to his view of Trump’s campaign as instilling fear.

Controversy has swirled around Clinton’s campaign over her use of a private email server as secretary of state. FBI Director James Comey recommended no criminal charges be filed over the issue earlier this month.

Freeborn County DFL member Robin Brown said she likes Clinton and supported her in 2008.

“She certainly represents the progressive ideas I stand for,” Brown said, noting her belief that Clinton is a strong and commanding person who has done the work she has promised to do.

Brown said she would be proud of Clinton as her president, and said she believes Clinton supports progressive ideas such as the interstate system, universal health care and other issues.

“I really strongly support her,” she said.

Brown said Clinton has knowledge of the federal government and has a vision of the nation and how to make things happen — something she said Trump does not have.

This year’s Democratic primaries were a heated contest between Clinton and Sanders, but Sanders has since endorsed Clinton. Controversy was sparked over the weekend, however, as Debbie Wasserman Schultz resigned Sunday as Democratic Party chairwoman over emails suggesting the DNC had played favorites for Clinton during the primary.

Clinton selected U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Virginia, as her running mate Friday.

Freeborn County DFL member Angie Hanson said though she still strongly supports Sanders, she appreciates Clinton’s embracing his progressive stances, such as his stance on health care.

Hanson said she supported Sanders’ endorsement of Clinton, and urged support of local progressive candidates, who she said includes Schindler.

Hanson said she figured the primary had been rigged against Sanders, noting her pleasure in seeing Wasserman Schultz step down. She also said she would have preferred Clinton selected a more progressive running mate.