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Dems gather at Springfield convention

E-mail|Link|Comments () June 6, 2009 06:27 PM

By Erin Ailworth, Globe Staff

SPRINGFIELD -- The air inside the MassMutual Center exhibition hall resounded with "Ayes" and "Nays" as Democrats from across the state gathered today to set their party's agenda at the Democratic issues convention.

While the convention is an annual occurrence, the platform is only set once every four years, said Stacey Monahan, executive director of the Massachusetts Democratic Party.

A man with a microphone guided delegates as they voted issues up or down in a low-lit arena with stadium seating. Some waved signs, while others captured special moments on digital cameras. A few browsed the tables outside, where attendees could learn more about Democrats like US Senator John Kerry and Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley, or pick up a T-shirt decorated with a donkey, the Democratic logo.

Edith Mazzer, 85, watched the voting in the arena. The Pittsfield resident said she hadn't missed a convention in 62 years.

"I will always be one, a Democrat until I die," she said.

Meanwhile, first-time convention-goer Maureen Malcolm, 71, of Boxford, described the experience as a "little microcosm of democracy."

Out in the hall, several passersby complimented National Stonewall Democrats chair Stephen Driscoll.

"Nice tie," they called, admiring Driscoll's neckware, which featured artist Shepard Fairey's iconic but controversial red, white and blue rendering of President Obama. Driscoll said he got the tie at Obama's inauguration.

"I've had it for a long time, but I've never worn it," he said. "I thought, 'It's a little bold.'"

On Saturday, Driscoll -- who described himself as a lifelong Democrat -- recalled how he got involved with the party, during one of Adlai Stevenson's campaigns for presidency in the 1950s.

"My aunt took me to the polls and handed me a bunch of palm cards and told me, 'Smile at all the Democrats and ignore all the Republicans.'"

"Sage advice," he joked.

Conventiongoers said Saturday's turnout appeared to be a little down, but they didn't think it had much to do with last week's indictment of former House Speaker Sal DiMasi on corruption charges. Many said they hoped ethics reforms would be enacted guickly.

Mattapoisett School Committee member Charles Motta said he was disappointed that it took a federal probe to bring the indiscretions of Massachusetts public officials to light.

"I'm sure the people in there [the State House] knew what was going on," said Motta, 65. "There is a need for cleaning the house up as far as ethics."