In speeches and later in "meet the candidate" rooms, the ten hopefuls made their pitches to the more than 400 members of the DNC, as well as to many College Democrats and guests.  Ignoring the seven-minute time limit, the candidates outlined their experiences and visions, addressed the war in Iraq, touched on other key issues such as health care and education, and reached out to various constituencies including organized labor.  Campaign staffers and supporters talked to members, spread the word, and helped sign up volunteers at tables set up outside the ballroom.  A few of the candidates brought their wives. 

It was at this meeting four years ago that then Gov. Howard Dean made a splash declaring, "I'm Howard Dean and I'm here to represent the Democratic wing of the Democratic party."  Now DNC Chairman, Dean declared that, "This is one of the strongest fields that I have every seen run for President of the United States."