(RALEIGH) -- Democrats are working hard to prepare for the 2012 National Democratic Convention in Charlotte. North Carolina Democratic Party Chairman David Parker said the convention is actually secondary to other things right now.

"It's almost a year away.  We're excited about it coming, but it certainly is not as important as trying to figure out what the issues are that face folks here in North Carolina," said Parker.

Parker said the economy is the most important issue for Democrats right now.