Democratic Candidates 2008
2008 Convention will spotlight Democratic candidates
TALLAHASSEE — Florida Democrats will converge on Orlando this weekend for their 2005 convention, bringing with them an A-list lineup of party celebrities and as much optimism as activists have had in years.
The three-day gathering that begins today at Walt Disney World marks the start of the state’s vetting process for 2008 presidential contenders, featuring a trio of the party’s most frequently mentioned hopefuls: former vice-presidential candidate John Edwards, Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack and Virginia Gov. Mark Warner.
And that doesn’t even include the headliner, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois, who is widely viewed as a rising star in national politics. He will address Florida delegates Saturday night.
But the convention also will serve as a coming-out party for the Democrats’ 2006 Florida candidates, most of whom lack the statewide profiles of their Republican counterparts. Next year’s elections are shaping up as a crucial cycle for both parties, with fiercely competitive races to elect Republican Gov. Jeb Bush’s successor and for Democrat Bill Nelson’s seat in the U.S. Senate.
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