By Jon Kovash
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kuer/local-kuer-749104.mp3
Denver, CO – Utah delegates to the Democratic National Convention are excited to support Barack Obama and the Democratic Party platform, according to Wayne Holland, chair of the Utah Democratic Party.
"This is an historic event. With Barack Obama being the nominee, the convention being in the western United States. The energy of our delegation is something we haven't seen in at least a generation," Holland said.
Erika George, a professor of constitutional law at the University of Utah, met Barack Obama in Chicago. She said he encouraged her to law school. Their meeting, George said, prompted her to run to be a delegate for the 2008 Democratic National Convention.
"I hope this convention can show the American people that not only are we a unified party, but that we are a party attempting to unify this country again. I have, as a think many others have, become increasingly cynical about the polarization of our public debate, about the polarization of our policy. I hope this convention will set a new course," George said.
Accompanying the Utah delegates is a group of bloggers from the state. Political bloggers at the DNC have a designated working space and access to the convention floor.
"Blogging is here to stay... it's a new technology and a new way to reach voters that are the demographic of Barack Obama," said Aaron Thompson, a Utah blogger.