Springfield – The Massachusetts Democratic Party Convention kicks off shortly at the MassMutual Center here in Springfield. I came up to speak at the workshop on Electronic Communications, and since I was up here, I thought I would try to blog a little bit of the event.

Four years ago, I came to the Massachusetts Democratic Party Convention, where I first met Deval Patrick. (Blogging the Convention, Morning Report, and Evening Report.) I enjoy visiting conventions from neighboring states to share ideas and see what other people are doing.

Upon arriving, I saw lots of people holding signs supporting Deval Patrick and Tim Murray, as well as signs for Attorney General Martha Coakley. As I entered, I had an opportunity to interview two young activists, Lillian, age 8 and Ella, age six. They were passing out stickers saying “I Support Paid Sick Days” and had two homemade signs. They stopped at Dunkin Donuts on their way there and their mother asked if the person behind the counter had paid sick days, and the person responded that they didn’t. Lillian was concerned that people at places like Dunkin Donuts might show up sick at work because they don’t have paid sick days, and then spread their colds with the people coming to Dunkin Donuts. Ella was more concerned about children who wouldn’t be able to be with their mommies when people in the family were sick.

Support Paid Sick Days, originally uploaded by Aldon.

I stopped in for Welcome Breakfast with Congressman Mike Capuano. I didn’t get a chance to meet the Congressman, but I did have a good discussion with some guests who are interested in the role of social media as it relates to political campaigns. They promised to attend the afternoon workshop.

As I walked through the exhibit hall, I saw a table for Massachusetts NARAL and Massachusetts Common Cause. I’ve worked with both of their Connecticut counterparts and was interested in seeing what they were up to.

As I set up in the press box looking down over the convention floor, staffers for Lt. Gov. Tim Murray stopped by to say hello. They are passing out a thumbdrive with a video from the Lt. Governor to the delegates. The video will be available later on Lt. Gov. Murray’s website.

The convention hall is starting to fill up, and I look forward to a great discussion, a great workshop after, and hopefully, some great opportunities to post about what is going on.

(Cross Posted at Blue Mass Group.)