LIVE from Spokane: Afternoon update

Lunch break is over and we're back in session here at the Spokane Convention Center. So far, we've nominated our statewide slate of candidates (with the exception of the state treasurer's office), heard from most of those candidates, including Peter Goldmark, John Ladenburg, Jim McIntire, and Jason Osgood.

Jason delivered his first speech in front of a large audience, and for a first time speaker, it was spectacular. The theme of Jason's campaign is simple. He's running for Secretary of State because our state deserves a sound, fair elections system where voter privacy is protected and the open primary is restored. By the time he left the stage, the whole hall was cheering and he received a standing ovation.

Sitting in chairs for long periods of time can get uncomfortable, so a number of delegates are up and wandering around, stretching their legs. A few have stopped by the press table (where I'm blogging from) and left business cards, flyers, or buttons. Also blogging the convention here with me is Jim Camden of the Spokesman-Review, David Postman of The Seattle Times, Bryan Bissell of PolitickerWA, and Niki Sullivan of the Tacoma News Tribune, who's still getting used to sitting next to (proudly) opinionated bloggers like myself:

When I came to the state Republican convention two weeks ago, I posted about what it was like. In that spirit, what follows is a bit about what it's like at the state Democratic convention.

For starters, it's a bit more laid back: There aren't as many security guards and we can walk wherever we want (even on the floor!) without supervision. Music (mostly 90s rock, it seems) is often played while candidates approach the stage.

Another difference: There are a lot more bloggers covering the event -- including partisan bloggers. I'm still getting used to sitting at the press table and having my next-door neighbor clap and cheer during candidate speeches.

But other than that, things are similar. Lots of candidate speeches, lots of procedural maneuvers and lots of delegates with giant name tags.

Less paranoia about security , more openness...yeah, that sounds like the atmosphere of a Democratic Party gathering.

Also worth a read is Daniel Kirkdorffer's recap over at On the Road to 2008.