Clinton's Illinois backers arrive in Philadelphia
Four years ago as President Barack Obama accepted the Democratic nomination, his home state Illinois delegation was right up front.
This time, Lauren Beth Gash, a convention delegate for Hillary Clinton from Highland Park, says the state should get decent seats again for a nominee who was born in Chicago and grew up in Park Ridge.
Gash is a convention veteran and leader of Democrats in the North suburban 10th Congressional District.
Does it mean anything to the delegation that the nominee grew up here?
"I think it really does," Gash said Sunday. "And I think it probably means something for Hillary, too. Because we represent the Midwest, which is the heart of the country."
Of course, a few states can call Clinton theirs. She went to the White House as first lady from Arkansas. Then became a senator from New York.
Gash can't recall how many conventions she's been to. At least five, she says. Probably six.
Her convention advice for newcomers mirrors her general advice for people heavily involved in politics.
"If there's food, eat," she says. "If there's a bathroom, go. And sleep when you can."