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Illinois delegates say speeches by Chicagoans unifying party

CHICAGO (AP) - Illinois delegates for Bernie Sanders said Tuesday that speeches by prominent Chicagoans at the Democratic National Convention have helped the party unite behind presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

Several in the state's delegation praised universal themes and shared values brought up the night before by first lady Michelle Obama, a Chicago native, and U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, an immigrant rights advocate whose district includes city neighborhoods. Both spoke ahead of Sanders, who urged supporters to back Clinton against Republican nominee Donald Trump.

"Having Michelle Obama and Bernie himself come out in support of Hillary that should go a long way to help unify the party," said Theresa Mah, a Chicago Democrat running unopposed for the Illinois House in November. "It's really necessary because Trump is dangerous. We need to do everything we can to come together and make sure Hillary" wins in November.

Mah, a pledged Sanders delegate, said she still plans to vote for the Vermont senator in Tuesday's roll call. But after that, she said she'll support Clinton as the party's nominee. She said it was "troubling" that other Sanders supporters booed speakers at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

During some speeches, jeers and chants could be heard on the floor, particularly during praise of Clinton. Illinois attendees said the buzz came from other states' delegations.

State Sen. Mike Noland of Elgin, a Sanders delegate, said their response was understandable.

"This is what democracy looks like," he said. "We know we have our differences with each other."

Noland and fellow Sanders delegate Chicago Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa said they also planned to cast Sanders roll call votes so the public would get an idea of his influence. Then, both said, they'd back Clinton running up to November.

"Bernie's presence has been felt in a big way," said Ramirez-Rosa.

Illinois attendees were seated close to the stage, which several said made the experience more memorable, particularly when speakers from their home state addressed the crowd. The first lady made an argument for Clinton's election from the perspective of raising two daughters. Gutierrez railed against Trump statements on immigrants, an Indiana judge and Mexicans.

Also Monday, one Illinois delegate got a prime seat. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, a Clinton delegate, sat next to former President Bill Clinton in a box.

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Follow Sophia Tareen at http://twitter.com/sophiatareen.

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