Kathy Hochul, Bill Owens To Skip Democratic National Convention

The list of House Democrats skipping the Democratic National Convention this September is growing.

New York Democratic Reps. Bill Owens and Kathy Hochul said Wednesday they will not attend the convention in Charlotte, N.C., the Daily reports. The news comes on the heels of similar announcements this week from three West Virginia Democratic leaders and Rep. Mark Critz (D-Pa.).

Both Owens and Hochul, who represent parts of upstate New York and are up for reelection this year, blamed their absence on obligations within their state rather than reluctance to support President Barack Obama.

"I guarantee that my time will be better spent meeting the farmers, small business owners and other people who put me here," Hochul told the Daily. A spokesman for Owens said the congressman has a "packed schedule back home".

Hochul was recently attacked by her Republican opponent, Chris Collins, over her support for the president. Owens has yet to state his support for Obama.