About 1,000 progressive political bloggers attended the convention along with a parade of prospective Democratic presidential candidates and party leaders, held in Las Vegas, this past weekend.  The event was a mile-stone in modern politics, as it seems that mainstream political figures have begun to understand the political influence and utility of the liberal blogger's support. 

Of course attempting to buy this support will always occur, like Virginia Gov. Mark Warner, who spent over $50,000 throwing a party for the bloggers in Las Vegas' Stratosphere Hotel and Casino.  The festivities included an Elvis impersonator, a vodka-chilling ice sculpture, a chocolate fondue waterfall, and free roller-coaster rides.  And although Warner far out-spent his peers, he wasn't alone in his utilization of retail politics.  Retired Gen. Wesley Clark threw an after-hours party Thursday night at the Hard Rock Hotel, and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson showed up Friday morning with breakfast pastries.

Still, the convention intimated that the future of American Politics is rapidly changing. And those politicians who didn't show up may have regrets about their decision later.  Who didn't show?  Hillary Rodham Clinton, John Kerry, Evan Bayh, Joe Biden, Chris Dodd, Russ Feingold and former Sens. John Edwards and Sen. Tom Daschle, to name a few. 

Of the blogosphere's place in partisan politics, Moulitas says "Both parties have failed us. Republicans have failed us because they can't govern. Democrats have failed because they can't get elected. So now it's our turn."



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