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CHARLOTTE -- A high level member of the Democratic party is urging some fellow Democrats to skip this year's Democratic National Convention. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi made the statement during an interview.

The convention is traditionally the time when the party comes together to back the president's bid for four more years in office. But analysts say this is nothing new.

In fact, it makes good political sense.

During an interview with Politico Pelosi said this is a tough election year. Because of that, she encouraged some Democrats to skip the convention in order to campaign in their districts, despite the pride they feel for President Barack Obama.

"We're very proud of him. There certainly will be enough people there to express that pride," said Pelosi. But I'm not encouraging members to go the convention, no matter what the situation was because they can be home, it's campaign time."

In a statement, Mayor Anthony Foxx said, "for some candidates, they need to spend as much time as possible at home campaigning and I certainly don't begrudge them that. Democratic leaders gave the same guidance to candidates during the 2008 convention, so this is nothing new. "

According to the Huffington Post, about half a dozen U.S. Senators and congressional leaders have already announced they won't be attending the DNC.

The convention will be held in Charlotte in early September.