WA State Democratic Convention: Day Two, Part Two

I've moved to the other side of the room to sit next to a power outlet. The press table is full and all outlets are taken, so I've found a free one further back in the room.

Senator Maria Cantwell has been introduced by Temporary Chair Greg Nickels. She's touching on the issue of transparency in oil prices that she's been highly focused on in the Senate. It is a short address, but she exhorts attendees to help get out the vote, having experienced in 2002 just how big a difference it can make in a close race.

Now the first report from the Credentials Committee which includes co-chair Becky Lewis from the 48th and Javier Valdez. They've tallied 904 delegates in attendance and the 282 alternates, all of whom will be converted to delegates, so they're now obtaining their voting packets.

The next speaker is Congressman McDermott who reminds us that the world is watching these elections. His talk is about the evolution of democracy, from freeing slaves, to women gaining the right to vote, through to nominating an African-American for President. He touches on the power of the grassroots, and the huge turnout at the caucuses this year, but again reminds people they need to get out the vote and do so earlier than ever because of the nature of the "Top Two" primary system in Washington this year.

Not many references in any speeches at this Convention of John McCain. I don't sense that's because his chances nationally are being dismissed, although it certainly is felt that Washington State will go to Obama, and the focus is on building the majorities in Congress, and Washington races.

It appears Congressman Norm Dicks isn't here to speak as scheduled, and John Kerry, the original keynote speaker had to cancel to attend a fallen soldier's funeral, so the replacement speaker is Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, being introduced by Dwight Pelz.

Klobuchar's speech starts out with thank yous and and singing the praise of the state of Washington and its representatives, particularly our propensity to elect strong women leaders. Given that, she also makes the point that no Democrat should walk away from this convention intending to not support Barack Obama, while praising the efforts of Hillary Clinton, remarks that draw cheers and applause. She has a flowing, easy going and familial delivery. Nice quote, paraphrased: it is time to move Dick Cheney to an undisclosed location, permanently. She also highlights that just three, two or even one more vote would have enabled the Democratic led Senate to pass key legislation this year and noting races around the country where seats may be picked up.

The speech ends with another standing ovation.

The final report from the Credentials Committee is now in: 1300 delegates all told

The report of the Convention Rules Committee, Co-Chaired by Dena Horton and Todd Nichols, is now been presented. Discussion on Convention endorsement is ongoing, and an amendment to alter the rules fails. An amendment to the afternoon schedule is also considered. With lunch imminent I'm going to take a break to grab mine.

Update: after a casually eaten lunch spent enjoying the great weather sitting by the river front, I returned to the Convention hall to find discussion on the rules was still going on. They finally wrap things up a good 40 minutes past the scheduled noon break.