FLORIDA DEMOCRATIC CONFERENCE ATTRACTS STAR POWER

The upcoming Florida Democratic Conference, scheduled for December 9-11 at Disney's Contemporary Resort in Lake Buena Vista, can boast some true national stars who will address the gathering.

The event will begin with a welcome reception Friday evening (December 9) featuring Democratic National Committee Chairman and 2004 presidential candidate Dr. Howard Dean with U.S. House Democratic Whip Congressman Steny Hoyer (D - MD).

Saturday will begin with a 7:30 AM breakfast with Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack. The General Session will feature remarks by U.S. Senator Bill Nelson along with candidates for statewide office, Democratic members of the Florida congressional delegation, and key leaders of the state legislative delegation. Also on the agenda will be speeches by Congressmen Barney Frank (D - MA), John Lewis (D - GA), and Luis Gutierrez (D - IL). The 12:30 PM lunch features remarks by former U.S. Senator from North Carolina and 2004 vice presidential nominee John Edwards. Dinner that evening will be at 8:00 PM with the featured speaker being U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D - IL), considered by many as a rising star within the party.

The conference ends Sunday, and the 9:30 AM brunch with include an address by Virginia Governor Mark Warner.

Sounds like an interesting weekend. Edwards and Warner are reportedly looking at the possibilities of making a presidential run in 2008, and Obama has ambition written all over him, so their appearance in Florida will be watched closely. I'll be there as a delegate from Polk County.

Bein' a po' boy, I probably won't get to enjoy the major meal events (seperate ticketed events), but there will still be plenty for me to enjoy and learn from.