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Illinois In Spotlight As Dem Convention Kicks Off

Michelle Obama Takes Center Stage In Denver Monday Night

DENVER (CBS) ― The Democratic National Convention officially kicks off Monday evening in Denver. CBS 2 Political Editor Mike Flannery in Denver reports the Illinoisans are pouring into the Mile High City for the convention – all basking in the reflected glow of Barack Obama's big, impending victory.

None are more excited than those who have known him for many years, but a group that comes close includes Democrats that are on the ballot back home this fall and who hope that Obama's coattails will be very long indeed.

Among those arriving on the flight from Chicago were representatives Melissa Bean and Jan Schakowsky, joined by another woman who wants to go to Congress – south suburban candidate Debbie Halvorson.

"My staff said, 'when you get out there, your goal, you cannot go to sleep at night until you collect 25 viable cards from people to be able to call in the next few weeks," Halvorson said.

Also arriving for this week in Denver is another couple who said they were early financial contributors to the presumptive Democratic nominee. Playboy boss Christie Hefner said she and her husband have also gone out socially with Michelle and Barack Obama.

"It's particularly exciting for those of us who were there from the beginning, who believed in the potential of this man," Hefner said.

Obama's keynote convention speech four years ago brought tears to the eyes of his longtime mentor State Senate President Emil Jones Jr. Jones said he expects to become emotional again during Obama's acceptance speech this Thursday evening.

"It may be tears again," Jones said. "It was the greatest investment that I could do in my whole political career that I ever made is to wrap my arms around a very intelligent, bright young man and help push him forward."

Speaking here Monday evening will be a number of Illinoisans including Attorney General Lisa Madigan, State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias and Comptroller Dan Hines.

Jones will also be on the podium, and Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. will be introducing Michelle Obama.

Michelle Obama and her family arrived in Denver Sunday, and were greeted by Colorado's first family. Michelle Obama is expected to focus on the values that drive her husband, the experiences that shaped him and why she believes he will be an extraordinary president.

Also making an appearance Monday evening at the convention will be Democratic Sen. Ted Kennedy. He is battling brain cancer and was not expected to attend, although a videotaped tribute to him was supposed to be shown. Sen. Kennedy landed in Denver Sunday night. At this time, he doesn't plan to speak, but might if he feels up to it.

Meanwhile, Barack Obama's running mate - Sen. Joe Biden - surprised commuters at the Wilmington, Del., Amtrak station Monday morning. At the station he has used for dozens of years to commute to and from Washington, D.C., Biden told reporters that his speech for Wednesday night at the convention is "all ready." He will arrive in Denver sometime Monday.

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