New England takes center stage at DNC

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Several New England politicians were scheduled to take center stage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention Tuesday night.

Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee, a former Republican turned Independent, will take the stage in Charlotte between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m.  Chafee endorsed President Barack Obama in 2008, and Obama returned the favor in 2010 by declining to endorse Chafee's democratic opponent, Frank Caprio, in the 2010 gubernatorial race.

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Democratic Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick is scheduled to speak just before 10 p.m.  Patrick succeeded President Barack Obama's Republican challenger, Mitt Romney, as Massachusetts governor in 2007.  He also worked to enact universal health care in Massachusetts.

Democratic Congressional Candidate Joe Kennedy III will introduce a video tribute to his great-uncle, the late Senator Ted Kennedy during the 7 p.m. hour.  He is the first member of the Kennedy family to appear on the ballot in Massachusetts since Senator Kennedy's death in 2009.

Tuesday's proceedings will be capped off by a keynote address from San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro and remarks by First Lady Michelle Obama.