08/26/08 Denver
 
by Ariel Wesler
 
What many viewers may not know is that the Democratic National Convention extends beyond the Pepsi Center in Denver. Our Oregon delegates aren't just here to listen to speakers but to share ideas.
 
"I hope to go to the rural caucus because I want to know because I want to know what's going on in the rural areas of this country," says Enrique Arias, Oregon delegate.
 
"I went to the Asian American caucus. I went to the young Democrats caucus," says Huma Pierce, Oregon delegate. She did admit she might try to sneak into The Daily Show which is currently taping in Denver. For many Oregon delegates, this is their first convention. They say they're energized to bring a wealth of information back home and pass on their own thoughts.
 
"You know, it's kind of an opportunity for us to share some of the great ideas that come out of Oregon," says Arias.
 
"The speakers come from all over the country but I'm from the east coast, so I don't get to listen to these incredibly bright people unless I come to one of these things," says Lupita Maurer, Chairperson of the Washington County Democrats.
 
"I think it varies from delegate to delegate how many of those things you go to, but I find it very worth while," says Jack Lorts, Oregon delegate.
 
The women's caucus drew a large crowd Tuesday, with many anxiously awaiting to hear from Senator Hillary Clinton later on in the evening. Then, a little fun. Following the convention each night, Oregon delegates can attend receptions, that is if their up for it.
 
"I went to one last night and it was too late. I don't know if I'm going to be going to many more of those," says Lorts.
 
"You sleep when you're dead," says Pierce.