California Democrats Making History

By Frank D. Russo

Youngest Democrat at California Democratic Convention Supports Obama

I left the California Democratic Convention at the end of day one shortly before midnight. The parties were still going strong, the hallways were filled to the point that one could hardly move. My notebooks were filled, my pockets stuffed with petitions, business cards, and I have met Democrats running in areas of the state for offices where they have not been active for years. All in all, there was an expectation echoed in private conversations and publicly that this should be a big year for Democrats in California.

Earlier in the day, I had prowled through exhibit booths, grassroots discussion groups, caucuses and the formal news conference of state chair Art Torres that kicked the convention off, at least for the press with the theme of the convention, Democrats Making History on display as he was asked a lot of questions about the November Election that will see the nation’s first woman or black elected President--and the process and yes, superdelegates. Democrats running for Governor and other statewide offices in 2010 were out in force.

As we enter day two of this event here are a few photos that tell part of the stories we will be writing about.

Speaker-elect Karen Bass was greeted with hugs, handshakes, and almost mobbed everywhere I saw her—and she seemed to be just about everywhere. She spoke at a number of caucus meetings, walked the hallways, and had a big smile on her face. So far, she is the biggest hit at the convention.

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