U.S. Congressman Jim McGovern started things off Friday night welcoming those gathered at the DCU Center in Worcester, Mass., his congressional district. Not facing a political opponent so far in 2014, the Democrat used the speech to deliver his message of "declaring hunger illegal."
U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren received the most enthusiasm from the crowd as she urged them to support what she and fellow Democrats did two years ago in defeating incumbent Republican Senator Scott Brown. She said they beat Brown so bad, by 8 percentage points, he tucked his tail between his legs and ran to New Hampshire.
U.S. Senator Edward Markey accepted the party's official nomination as he seeks reelection, this time for a full six-year term. State Auditor Suzanne Bump and Secretary of the Commonwealth Bill Galvin also spoke before accepting the party's nominations.
A tribute video and a speech from former Lt. Gov. Tim Murray introduced Gov. Deval Patrick who attended his final convention as governor. The two-term governor is not seeking reelection.
Patrick thanked the crowd calling them his brother and sister Democrats.
"Now let's go win some elections," said Patrick before receiving a standing ovation.
Candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and treasurer will address the convention starting Saturday morning. Endorsement voting will follow. Candidates must receive support from 15 percent of the delegates to be on September's primary ballot.
More than 10,000 people are expected to attend the two-day convention.
