Kansas Democrats sense place in history

Convention that will nominate first black candidate for president opens today

— Now that the Olympics have ended, let the games begin.

Kansas Democrats were among the thousands of party delegates, journalists and activists who gathered Sunday on the eve of what will be a historic Democratic National Convention.

And they expressed confidence in their ticket, topped by U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., who is about to become the first black man nominated as a presidential candidate of a major party.

In addition, they praised the newest addition, U.S. Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., whom Obama picked as his vice presidential running mate.

“I think he’s a great pick,” said state Sen. Anthony Hensley, D-Topeka, whose district includes part of Douglas County. “(Biden) is definitely a blue-collar type Democrat.”

There has been some rumbling that delegates committed to U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., a former presidential contender, are upset that Obama chose Biden.

But state Sen. Marci Francisco, D-Lawrence, said she didn’t expect any negative fallout. Francisco attended a brunch for women delegates on Sunday. “The comments were really ones of unity,” she said.

Lt. Gov. Mark Parkinson said he thought Biden’s experience in foreign affairs was a positive. “I think Obama-Biden is a great ticket,” he said.

This morning, the Kansas delegation will be hearing from Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer, while Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius is scheduled to speak to the Texas and Illinois delegations. The prime-time speaker to the full convention tonight is Michelle Obama. Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., also will speak.

Sebelius and nine other governors will speak to the full convention on Tuesday. Sebelius is one of four convention co-chairwomen.

The convention runs through Thursday, when Barack Obama will give his acceptance speech.

Republicans will start their convention Sept. 1 in Minneapolis to nominate U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.

Related story: Democratic convention aims to solidify party, spread Obama's message


Comments

Note: ktka.com does not necessarily condone the comments here, nor vouch for the factual claims made therein. Nor do we review every post.

Aug. 25, 2008 at 2:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)Rubyslippers (anonymous)

While it is of historical importance to note that Obama is the first African-American helming a major party ticket, let's focus on what he brings to the table as well. Repeatedly emphasizing his race above all other qualifications, ideas, and values makes him sound more like a novelty item than a presidential candidate. We got it! He's black. So are tens of millions of other citizens! Frankly, I don't care if he's purple, he's got so much to bring to the table. C'mon 49... Let's start talking facts! Let's start talking future!

Aug. 25, 2008 at 2:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)parkay (anonymous)

The London Daily Telegraph is now reporting that Obamanation’s acknowledged father-figure mentor during 9 of Obamanation’s skirt-chasing, boozing, drug-using, formative years in Hawaii, Frank Marshall Davis, a radical activist, journalist, poet, pothead, and Communist Party ringleader, now dead, was also a perverted sodomite who, while married, engaged in group sex and several rapes of a 13-year-old girl, and various other perversions.
Just another of Obamanation's exposed associations with dishonorable and criminal people over the years - including his conspiracy with racist, criminal Planned Parenthood to keep live-birth abortions legal, so as to further the reduction of the black population through a 3-times-higher abortion rate.

Post a comment

(Requires free registration.)

Username:
Password: (Forgotten your password?)

Comment:

Advertisement

Keep an eye on Topeka's weather with the 49 ABC News Sky Cam.

On the air

KTKA 49 Contest Rules

Latest storm news, via Twitter

Online chats

49 Sports Challenge

It's time for the 2009 49 Sports Challenge! Click here to see the challenges 49 Sports Anchor Nic Hoch faces, or to challenge him yourself!

Swine Flu

Follow what's happening with the swine flu here.

49 News Kidcasts

Watch future TV stars, 6 to 12 years old, give the day's records on 49 Storm Team Weather here.

Main Street Live

KTKA 49 ABC is coming to your hometown. This Summer, starting June 10th, catch Main Street Live. Every Wednesday, we'll broadcast live from a city in Northeast Kansas, highlighting that community. Visit our Main Street Live homepage to find out when we might be coming to your town. You can send us photos and info about your town as well.

Register to Win

Register to win Worlds of Fun tickets.

A Day Away

Gather up the family and let "A Day Away" be your guide to investigating the nooks and crannies of the Sunflower State.

America's Next Top Model

Click here for eligibility requirements. Click here for the application.


TV Schedule

Voices

Latest blog entries

Severe weather and the 4th of July

From Weather Watch

This holiday weekend, much like Memorial Day weekend, is always filled with outdoor activities, barbeques and storms.
Le Tour

From The Hub

Can Lance win?

Interested in writing a blog? Send us a few sample entries! Let us know what you're interested in writing about, the experience you have with your topic, and anything else you think we'll find useful to know.

Latest blog comments:

Want to comment on the news?

Now you can - register for a free account and post comments to stories, blogs, podcasts and more, only on 49abcnews.com. Go »

Poll

Should ambulances charge more for people who weigh more than 350 pounds?

See the results without voting »