The Idaho Democratic Party today opens its 2010 state convention at the Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel in Worley.

The event runs through Saturday night, ending with a gala reception and banquet with a keynote address by former Montana Congressman Pat Williams. State Democratic Party officials plan to adopt the 2010 platform and conduct other convention business, said Jim Hansen, state party executive director. Convention events will be in one of the casino resort's conference rooms.

The gala reception and banquet event will include speeches from the Democrats' gubernatorial candidate, Keith Allred; U.S. Senate candidate, Tom Sullivan; and state superintendent of public instruction candidate, Stan Olson.

Allred, in an interview with The Press Thursday, said he will be talking about the momentum his campaign has seen.

Allred, who lives in Eagle and grew up in Twin Falls, said a Rasmussen Reports poll shows he's closing on Gov. Butch Otter.

"It has us on pace for a dead-heat race by September," Allred said.

He said he has also raised more money than Otter so far this year, and earned a higher percentage share of the primary vote against his opponent in the recent primary than Otter did against multiple Republican challengers in that party's primary.

He said Otter is vulnerable because of cuts to state education spending.

Hansen said a fundraiser for Allred will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets cost $15 for students, and $25 for others, and includes a lunch.

A fundraiser for Olson will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. today, with tickets available at the door for $25 per person, including lunch, Hansen said.

Gala and banquet event tickets are $35 per person, with the reception starting at 5:30 p.m. and speakers beginning at shortly before 8 p.m., he said.

To benefit the Kootenai County Democrats, a barbecue fundraiser will be at state party vice chair Jeanne Buell's ranch in Worley, at 8467 W. Sunny Slopes Road, said Thom George, county Democrats chairman.

The barbecue will start at 4:45 p.m., and tickets will be $20 per person.

Information: (208) 660-4761