"The convention has scarcely given a tip of its hat to earlier Democratic figures," said Michael Beschloss, the historian.

After admission to the bar, he joined a law firm in which Martin Conboy, an influential Democratic figure, was a member.

Mr. Cuomo's comments were greeted with skepticism by some national Democratic figures, who cited the close personal and political relationship between the two.

Johnston was left alone as the only strong Democratic figure in the state.

Prior to the primaries, Kerry collected endorsements from a variety of notable Democratic figures, including:

Many of those interviewed thought the election results diminished, or even demolished, his image as a national Democratic figure and potential Presidential candidate.

"He's so much smarter than most of the people around him," said a Democratic political figure who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

"We're talking to every major Democratic figure in the country."

There was bipartisan support for this action, with notable Republican and Democratic figures speaking out in support of the raid.

Applause lines work best when they are jabs at major Democratic figures or "activist judges."