Maine Democratic Convention update: 6:45 p.m.

Opening proceedings are well underway. The crowd has filled about half the room, and convention staff has promised to have a packed room tomorrow.

Senate President Beth Edmonds is the chair of the convention, and just gave a rousing speech promising touting the accomplishments of Democrats and the evils of Republicans. “They want to throw 40,000 people off of health care,” she said, referring to the current People’s Veto.

Expect audio later.

Edmonds promised to elect Democrats on all levels. “We will remove Susan Collins from the US Senate,” she said. The crowd roared.

There are a couple small state delegate slots. A Barack Obama delegate replaced an uncommitted delegate from Friendship. A Dennis Kucinich delegate has replaced a Hillary Clinton delegate from Portland.

The official stuff is almost done, Gov. John Baldacci and U.S. Reps. Mike Michaud and Tom Allen are up next. We’ll have more on the speeches later tonight.