Another Dem to skip convention

Add Texas Rep. Henry Cuellar to the growing list of Democrats who are skipping the Democratic National Convention this summer.

The moderate Democrat backs President Barack Obama’s reelection but told POLITICO on Tuesday he won’t be attending the convention in Charlotte, N.C., in September.

“I went to the Texas state Democratic convention [in June],” Cuellar, a four-term congressman, said by phone from Laredo, Texas. “As I get close to my election, I want to spend more time in my district and focus on my reelection. Right now, I have no plans to attend.”

(Also on POLITICO: Convention-skipping, GOP edition)

Cuellar joins more than a dozen incumbents and candidates from moderate and conservative states who have said they’re passing on the three-day bash that culminates with Obama’s nomination for a second term.

Among those sitting this convention out are Sens. Claire McCaskill of Missouri, Jon Tester of Montana, Joe Manchin of West Virginia, as well as Reps. Nick Rahall of West Virginia, Mark Critz of Pennsylvania and Jim Matheson of Utah.

Rep. Stephen Lynch and Rep. Richard Neal, both of Massachusetts, will be staying home as well, the Springfield (Mass.) Republican reported.

Rep. Larry Kissell, who’s facing a tough reelection in his rural North Carolina district, told the Charlotte Observer on Monday he won’t be endorsing Obama for a second term.