Doyle to keynote convention

Gov. Jim Doyle, as the state's top ranking Democrat and a top national Obama surrogate during the primary season, will serve as the convention's keynote speaker Friday evening.

DPW chairman Joe Wineke said efforts had been made to get Obama himself, but he said he's heard the presumptive nominee will be heading off for a few days of rest and relaxation next weekend after a grueling campaign season.

The state's Dem congressional contingent will also speak on Friday night, except for U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl, who will take a Saturday morning speaking spot.

Other Friday night speakers include: departing Assembly Minority Leader Jim Kreuser and Rep. Mark Pocan, Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker, State Treasurer Dawn Marie Sass,and Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton.

Stevens Point Mayor Andrew Halverson and Portage County Dem chairwoman Lois Lawler will be the first to address Wisconsin Dems.

Doyle, Feingold, U.S. Rep. Dave Obey, the Assembly Democrats and Kagen will host hospitality suites Friday night. Kohl hosts a breakfast hospitality suite Saturday morning.

Friday afternoon at the convention will be taken up by caucus meetings, with the party's LGBT, Hispanic, black, American Indian and women's caucuses gathering separately at 5 p.m. The county chairs will also meet at 4 p.m. Friday.