Iowa Lt. Gov. Patty Judge addresses delegates at the 2010 Linn County Democratic Convention on Saturday, March 20.

Despite a final outburst by Old Man Winter in the form of a three-inch snowfall, an energized and committed group of Linn County Democrats met at Washington High School on Saturday, March 20, for the 2010 convention and to further prepare for the upcoming election cycle.

Special thanks to LCDCC Chairwoman Diane Hoffmann and Second Vice-Chairman Norm Sterzenbach for serving as permanent co-chairs of the convention. Thanks also to former Cedar Rapids Mayor Kay Halloran for serving as temporary chairwoman prior to the election.

Like all events and activities planned by the LCDCC, the convention could not have been held without a host of volunteers. Mike Robinson served as chairman of the platform committee. Bret Nilles led the rules committee. D.J. Arnold once again served as chairman of the credentials committee, and Kay Fisk was chairwoman of the arrangements committee. All who attended this well-run convention owe a debt of thanks to you and your committees for outstanding service!

A view across the delegate floor at the 2010 Linn County Democratic Convention.

Francis Thicke, Democratic candidate for Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, was one of many campaigners who stopped by to introduce themselves to the Linn County Convention delegates.

Work didn't stop for committee chairpersons just because it was convention day. Kay Fisk, who led the arrangements committee, scrambled throughout the morning to make sure delegates had access to breakfast foods and beverages -- and then quickly switched gears to begin serving lunch.

Mike Robinson, who chaired the platform committee, also had little opportunity to rest as new planks were introduced and debated at the convention. He could often be found in deep conversation with fellow platform committee persons -- such as this one with Catherine Crist, which was interrupted for a photo.

Co-Chairman Norm Sterzenbach and Parliamentarian Roy Porterfield were able to review notes and plan for the next round of official business while visiting elected officials and Democratic hopefuls had control of the microphone.

Co-Chairwoman Diane Hoffmann and Credentials Chairman D.J. Arnold were all smiles when the figures were official and the number of delegates exceeded earlier estimates.

Iowa Rep. Tyler Olson, who represents the portion of Cedar Rapids that encompasses the convention site, was just one of many area lawmakers who came to the 2010 convention to hear speakers, address the delegates or for conversations with constituents.

Iowa Rep. Nate Willems (left), who represents District 29, found one constituent he probably had not expected to see at a Democratic Convention. Representatives of the Democratic and Republican student organizations at Cornell College were both on hand at the convention to announce an upcoming event.