It's FORT WAYNE in 2012!

The Indiana Democratic Party has announced that Fort Wayne will be hosting the party's state convention in 2012. This marks the first time that the convention has ever been held outside of Indy, and is the end result of a large effort undertaken by local and third district party faithful:

Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry demonstrates his sense of humor while introducing Indiana's next secretary of state, Vop Osili

Great job, Tom!

Live from The Indiana Democratic Convention Finale

Much like her running mate, Jill talked up the opportunities that she had experienced growing up and how each generation improved over it's predecessor. She discussed the need to preserve these opportunities for future generations. Long recalled the days when Indiana stood out as a state with high-paying jobs and seemingly endless opportunity, and rallied that we must return our great state to it's former stature.

She used an analogy of her families old farm homestead, which was modernized several times over the years as electricity and indoor plumbing were introduced. Much like that old house, the state of Indiana must keep it charm and purity as we update it to today's needs and standards. She vowed to restart Indiana's economy and stop job losses, giving back what she was given by the schools she attended here.

Jill's first act as governor will be to reinstate collective bargaining for state employees and concentrate on economic development. She stated that one of the most important differences between her plan and Mitch Daniels is that hers will WORK. She will target small and medium business growth in the state without any free rides, and update our tax system to the 21st century. She will diversify the economy and explore development of renewable resources.

Most importantly, she will stop and reverse the privatization efforts of Mitch Daniels. . .

That's the end of this report. I like to offer a huge "Thank You" to Thomas Cook of Blue Indiana for securing press credentials, a blogging area, and even hard-wired internet acess!

Live from The Indiana Democratic Convention 2-3 PM

Linda Pence spoke at length about her passion for justice, declaring that "I'm not afraid of the big boys, I relish the battle". She punctuated each story of her past successes with the rallying cry from those who counted on her each time, "Linda is our lawyer"!

Mr.Dominguez then introduced Speaker of the House Patrick Bauer who declared "This is our year"! Adding that, "four years ago a dark cloud descended upon our state and begin selling everything off". Speaker Bauer is a phenomenal speaker and drew many laughs and rounds of applause as he highlighted the gaffes of the Daniels mis-administration. Bauer then placed the nomination of Dennie Oxley for Lieutenant Governor on the floor. Again quickly seconded and approved.

Dennie Oxley discussed his Southern Indiana roots and upbringing, thanking his wife, kids, parents, and grandfather who were all in attendance. Oxley recounted the opportunites for success, and discussed his concern that the Daniel's mis-administration has destroyed many ofthe very opportunities afforded to Oxley as a young man. He provided staggering statistics on Indiana's unemployment and poverty levels, declaring that he could go on and on with the failures of Mitch Daniels. Oxley stated "Daniels is the governor of an island, alright. Fantasy Island"!

Jeff Pruitt of Fort Wayne Politics had to leave to catch an ealy flight; I will continue to report from the blogger's box, and Robert Rouse has conducted several interveiws outside the hall as well.

Next up is a video biography for Jill Long-Thompson. A well-crafted piece which highlighted Jill's drive to acheive and succeed; it drew applause for cameos by Birch Bayh, Randy Schmidt, Judy O'Bannon, Wayne Townshend, and Evan Bayh. These folks all discussed the contrasts between Long-Thompson and misguidance of Mitch Daniels. Mick Long, Jill's younger brother, took the stage to introduce his sister as the Democratic nominee for governor. Mick stated that his grandmother, who didn't have the right to vote as young woman, would be so proud to see her granddaughter elected Indiana's first female governor two generations later.

The crowd went wild as Bruce Springsteen's "The Rising" played to a sea of Jill2008 signs. Jill took the stage declaring the she "loves all of her friends here". We friends loudly returned our affection for her as well. She then thanked family members and everyone who's worked to help her reach this pinnacle.

Live from The Indiana Democratic Convention 1-2 PM

Andre Carson opened the convention with a clarion call to Democrats, stating that we simply must not allow the failed Bush policies to continue under a third term, via John McCain. Carson noted that we the people are where change comes from.

District 3 delegates to the National Convention include Graham Richard and Sofia Rodriguez, who both worked hard for Senator Obama this year in Allen County.

2326 delegates were allotted to the counties, 1711 were seated this morning.

The Permanent Chair for this convention, Roy Dominguez of Lake County, was introduced by temporary chair Dan Parker. Mr.Dominguez spoke to our Democratic values, and challenged the party faithful to "make it happen" on all election levels this year.

Dr.Richard Wood was nominated for Superintendent of Public Instruction; seconded and approved. Wood promised a positive campaign and vowed to improve Indiana's schools as a means to improve our next generation and entice new employers to our state. He vowed to give our children the means and opportunities to succeed.

A video was played which discussed how Linda Pence took on Shell Oil for local franchise owners as well as her work on the White River fish kill investigation. Mrs.Pence was then nominated for Attorney General by former AG Pam Carter. She was quickly seconded and approved.