Iowa delegates were proud of their state leader Monday night at the Democratic National Convention in Boston.

Gov. Tom Vilsack delivered a speech about the platform of presidential candidate John Kerry, which Rep. Mary Mascher, D-Iowa City, said was effective because it included one of the party's most valued platforms - national security.

"Vilsack did a good job," Mascher said in a telephone interview as she waited for former President Clinton's speech to begin.

"There's a strong message coming from the Kerry/Edwards campaign about creating a stronger America worldwide and becoming more respected worldwide," she said.

Mascher said Iowa delegates received visits from several convention dignitaries during the convention's opening day, including Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson who is also the convention's permanent chair, Rhode Island Rep. Patrick Kennedy, Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin, Iowa Secretary of State Chet Culver, and former Iowa Sen. John Culver.

"We've had an unbelievable list of speakers. I think some of the other states' delegates are jealous," Mascher said. "And we're going to have even more impeccable list of speakers (Tuesday)."

John McCormally, spokesman for the Iowa Democratic Party who also is in Boston for the convention, said Iowa delegates are celebrities at the convention.

"They thanked Iowa for giving (the Democratic Party) such a great ticket," he said.

The 65 Iowa delegates and alternates are receiving special treatment this week, largely because the state's first-in-the-nation caucuses helped propel Kerry to the party's top spot.

Now, the state's delegates get a front row seat at the convention.

"It's exciting. We're about 15, 20 feet from the podium," Mascher said. "It's quite a phenomenal process."