None is a stranger to the capital's political cross-currents and all are loyal Democrats.

"A loyal Democrat, he was willing to cross party lines when conscience and duty called."

The message seems to be getting across - at least to loyal Democrats.

How could he win the support of the loyal Democrats who turn out for primaries?

Indeed, to plenty of loyal Democrats, it made more sense than someone who was alive voting for a Republican.

And that has even some loyal Democrats worried.

"Then he wants to be considered among the loyal Democrats."

Today we must ensure that the party is a vehicle for the policies that matter to these loyal Democrats.

Both are loyal Democrats who wanted to help their party, but the letters from back home carried the mantra: cut spending, don't raise taxes.

Protesters carried signs outside the events, but inside, loyal Democrats offered moral support as they opened their wallets for the party.