Wisconsin delegates for Hillary Clinton at the Democratic National Convention are ready to put their support behind Barack Obama.

Senator Clinton will address the convention in Denver later tonight, where she's expected to call on her supporters to help Obama win the presidency in November. Heather Colburn, a Clinton delegate from Madison, says Wisconsin Hillary supporters will take that message to heart. Colburn says Clinton supporters are dedicated to their candidate and will follow through with whatever request she makes for them, including voting for Obama in November.

Still, some Hillary delegates may try to disrupt the nomination process from the convention floor on Thursday night. If that happens, Colburn says the Wisconsin delegation will not be a part of it. She says they recognize the importance of a Democrat winning in November, and such protests would not help that cause.

Obama has had some trouble winning over Clinton supporters; with some saying they'll support John McCain instead. For example, Debra Bartoshevich was a Wisconsin delegate for Clinton, but was stripped of her status by the party after publicly saying she would vote for McCain in November.

After such a heated primary for the Democratic nomination, Colburn says it's understandable that some Hillary supporters don't want to join Obama right away. However, she expects more to come around as we draw closer to the election in November.

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 1:12)

Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) was a Hillary Clinton supporter during the primaries. But now, Baldwin says the party must be united behind Barack Obama. Baldwin addressed Wisconsin delegates Monday during the Democratic National Convention in Denver, CO.

The Wisconsin Democrat says electing Obama to the presidency is the best way to achieve the goals set by the party, many of which were thwarted by the Bush White House. She says key issues, such as re-deploying troops from Iraq and funding for stem cell research, were all vetoed by President Bush. She says Congress lacks the super majority needed to overturn those vetoes.

Baldwin says Obama has brought a message of hope to the nation, and now it's up to Democrats to put that message into action.

Baldwin will address the entire convention later today. 

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 1:01)

Democrats officially kicked off their national convention with the help of an aspiring First Lady. Michelle Obama served as the keynote speaker Monday night in Denver, where she talked about family and why her husband should be the next US President.

Wisconsin Congresswoman Gwen Moore says Obama “hit one out of the park” in establishing that her family is just like every other one in America.

Obama talked about her humble roots and her father's battle with MS. Moore says it was an inspiring tale that really makes her believe in the American dream. Moore says the story of Barack and Michelle is one that should be celebrated all week at the convention. 

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 :53)

An emotional reception for Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) Monday at the Democratic National Convention. Even though he's still recovering from brain surgery, Kennedy took to the convention stage amidst a thunderous welcome from delegates.

Wisconsin Democratic Party chairman Joe Wineke says Kennedy's helped marked an historic moment. He says Kennedy's speech, which focused on preparing for the next generation of Democrats, will be something people talk about for years to come.

Kennedy closed his speech saying the torch is being passed to Barack Obama. Wineke says that sends a clear message that the Kennedy legacy is now in Obama's hands.

Wineke says that, for him, getting to see Kennedy address the convention was an emotional moment. He says Kennedy is lion of the Senate that helped inspire him to get involved in politics. 

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 1:02)

US Senator Joe Biden likely wouldn't be Barack Obama's running mate had it not been for a familiar Wisconsin icon.

The late Governor and U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson is credited for encouraging Joe Biden to carry-on after personal tragedy struck shortly after he was elected to office. Biden had been elected to the U.S. Senate in November of 1972, but the next month his wife and baby were killed in a car crash. The Democrat from Delaware didn't feel like he could go on with his political career.

“I went to my governor and I said replace me. I don't want to be sworn in.”

Following a memorial service at Wisconsin's state capitol for Gaylord Nelson back in July of 2005, Biden had told WRN how the man from Clear Lake “changed his life.”

Biden recalled how it was Nelson who convinced him to take the job – to try it for six months. Biden said the founder of Earth Day and his wife Carrie Lee introduced him to all their friends from both political parties.

“Those are the days when Democrats and Republicans hung out together. And they would have dinner at one another's house once a month. And Carrie Lee and Gaylord just grabbed me and made me stay. …they made me come … and they literally changed my life.”

The newly-selected candidate for V-P has come a long way since 1972. Even though he had two unsuccessful runs for U-S president, Biden never gave up, and he owes a lot to Nelson. Biden said everything you've heard about his good friend … is true.

“And when my … when I was lucky and five years later was remarried they (Gaylord and Carrie Lee Nelson) embraced my wife Jill and … and they're just incredible people.” Biden fought back his emotions as he continued. “Everything you heard about him … is true.”

Biden is expected to be officially nominated as the party's V-P candidate at this week's Democratic National Convention in Denver.

AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report (2:02 MP3)

Despite being stripped of her status with the Democratic Party, a former Hillary Clinton delegate comes to Denver anyway.

Debra Bartoshevich drew fire from Wisconsin Democrats after publicly stating she would vote for Republican John McCain in November, resulting in the party removing her delegate status.

On Monday, she joined fellow Democrats in Denver who now support McCain. Bartoshevich believes McCain has the experience and leadership needed by the country, and that's why she now plans to vote for him instead of Barack Obama.

Bartoshevich is also starring in a TV campaign ad for the Republican Party. In the ad, she talks about her support for Clinton and why she now back McCain.

Heather Coulburn, who heads up the Hillary delegates attending the Democratic National Convention, supports Bartoshevich's right to change her vote. She says everyone is allowed to feel passionate for a candidate and to change their mind about who they want to support. However, Coulburn believes most Clinton supporters will get behind Barack Obama. 

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 1:11)

Wisconsin Democrats are pleased with Barack Obama's decision on a running mate.

Obama announced over the weekend that long-time US Senator Joe Biden will be his pick for Vice President. Wisconsin Congressman Ron Kind, a delegate at the Democratic National Convention in Denver this week, says Biden is a smart choice because he's solid on national security and foreign policy issues.

Mike Underhill, an Obama delegate from Kenosha, hopes Biden will help to unify Democrats before November.

Even though she's a pledged delegate for Hillary Clinton, Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk says Biden brings a lot to the ticket and will help the party's chances for winning the White House in November.

Biden will address delegates at the convention on Wednesday night. 

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 :53)

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama campaigned in Eau Claire on Sunday, one day after announcing his running mate.

Hosting the “Barbecue with Barack Obama” at an Eau Claire park, Senator Obama was joined by a couple of the state's top Democrats: Governor Jim Doyle and U.S. Senator Russ Feingold.

Obama “is going to work with us in the state of Wisconsin, (and) all across the United States, to not only make sure that health care is available for people in this country, but is affordable for people in this country as well,” said Doyle. “In a few weeks, I'm gonna be calling you Mr. President,” Feingold said to Obama, “and I'm gonna look forward to that.”

Obama spoke to about 300 invited guests, a mix of supporters and undecided voters. Obama related John McCain's answer to a question during a recent forum at Saddleback Church: what was McCain's definition of rich? Obama said McCain's answer, five million dollars, indicated he's out of touch with the middle class. Obama vowed to end tax breaks for companies that move overseas: “we will stop giving those tax breaks to companies that invest overseas, and start giving them to companies that invest right here in Eau Claire.”  

Obama was not joined by Senator Joe Biden , his new running mate. The two will campaign separately until they appear together at the Democratic National Convention in Denver on Thursday.

Earlier on Sunday Obama attended services at First Lutheran Church in Eau Claire.

AUDIO: Dan Lea reports (1:20 MP3)

Wisconsin Democrats are gearing up for their trip to the national convention.

The convention opens Monday in Denver, and Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chairman Joe Wineke says the Badger State will be well represented with 108 alternates and delegates in attendance

Wineke says there's plenty of excitement about the event. It's not just about presumptive Democratic Presidential nominee Barack Obama, but also the party's chances to win back the White House after eight years of Republican control. Wineke says interest in the convention has been very high, with many non-delegates trying to get a spot with Wisconsin.

The state will also be represented at the podium during the convention. Governor Jim Doyle and Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin are both scheduled to take the state on Tuesday. Doyle is expected to speak about growing the national economy and creating more jobs. Baldwin's speech will focus on improving access to health care.

The convention runs through Thursday. 

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 :59)