CONVENTION

CONVENTION

Today’s speakers

Some of the speakers expected to address the convention today:

SEN. HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON: Democratic leaders hope the long-awaited prime-time speech by Barack Obama’s chief rival during the bruising primary campaign will solidify party support for the nominee. But even as they hand Clinton a plum speaking spot, party leaders will be keeping one eye outside the convention hall. Some Clinton supporters have said they’ll paper Denver with fliers supporting the New York senator, though Clinton has made several appearances urging Democrats to back Obama.

GOV. TED STRICKLAND: Ohio’s governor backed Clinton. He helped deliver his state for her using an aggressive rural strategy that he used in his own race for governor.

GOV. ED RENDELL: Pennsylvania’s governor and the former mayor of Philadelphia was a prominent Clinton backer but said in late spring that Clinton should not fight Obama’s nomination in Denver.

SEN. BOB CASEY JR.: The Pennsylvania senator got Obama’s attention when he endorsed him just days before Pennsylvania’s Democratic primary in March, a contest won handily by Clinton. Casey’s endorsement helped smooth Obama’s path to gaining widespread acceptance from party regulars.

Associated Press