Some North Carolina Democrats had their podium moments early on the final night of the convention.

Senator Kay Hagan, Congressmen Mel Watt, David Price, and G.K. Butterfield spoke, along with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Walter Dalton. Congressmen Mike McIntyre, Larry Kissell, Brad Miller, and Heath Shuler were not present.

Hagan opened the day by praising North Carolina's vision, mentioning RTP, the Greensboro Four, and the UNC system.

We call North Carolina 'the place where the weak grow strong and the strong grow great.' We've always prided ourselves on the fact that anyone, no matter who they are or where they are from, can work hard to make whatever they want of their life," Hagan said.

"But we didn't get there by accident, she continued. "We got there because we were blessed with leaders, from all walks of life, who were willing to do what was right; make difficult, not easy choices; and invest in our future generations."

Dalton took the stage to chants by the NC delegation, welcoming the delegates to "The state that went blue in 2008 and the state that'll go blue again in 2012."

Butterfield urged the delegates to "go home and roll up your sleeves."

"We all know the road to recovery hasn't been easy. Republicans have thrown up every roadblock conceivable," he said. "So this fall, we need to send them a message: Stop playing games with our future."

Price, too, took a sharper partisan tack: "We're Democrats, and we believe in all the American people, not just the wealthy few. We believe in supporting the middle class, not selling them out. "

And Watt reminded the crowd he was born and raised here in Charlotte.

"Growing up here, I learned some simple values: Help your neighbors. Respect your elders. Honor your commitments. Stand up for education."

"Today Barack Obama is carrying those exact same values forward as president of the United States," he added. "This election is about standing up for those values. It's about fighting for what you believe in. Let's get out there."