Here's a look at how LGBT caucuses have grown:
—1972, McGovern ( 5 delegates ) : Gay caucus staged a sit-in because McGovern refused to issue a statement of support for gay community; two gay speakers at podium
—1976, Carter ( 30 ) : Carter staff quietly acknowledged gay caucus but avoided any public recognition
—1980, Carter ( 76 ) : Caucus backs down from floor fight over empty platform but sends openly gay speaker to podium as vice presidential 'nominee'
—1984, Mondale ( 80 ) : Nominee contender Jesse Jackson's mention of gays in his address marks the highlight and platform is deemed 'everything we wanted.'
—1988, Dukakis ( 90 ) : Caucus divided over whether to support nominee and effort to nominate gay vice-presidental speaker fails; the nominee fears mentioning gays will lose votes
—1992, Clinton ( 108 ) : Enormous spotlight on caucus and issues; long string of elected officials come before caucus for support; two gay speakers at podium
—1996, Clinton ( 150 ) : Five openly gay speakers at the podium, 'Equality for Lesbians & Gays' signs plentiful and large number of high-profile party leaders visit caucus
—2000, Gore ( 200 ) : Six openly gay people at podium, vice-presidential nominee ( Joe Lieberman ) visits caucus, along with First Lady ( Hillary Clinton ) and four cabinet members; Gays 'fully integrated' in platform
—2004, Kerry ( 254 ) : Gay visibility is on the wane. Nominee does not say the words 'gay' or 'sexual orientation' but calls for honoring 'diversity,'placards are tightly controlled, gay speakers dropped to three and platform disappoints
—2008, Obama ( 377 ) : Gay caucus grows by 41 percent and deems platform the most supportive ever; in speech before largest political audience ever, nominee makes strong statement of support for 'gay brothers and lesbians sisters'
Copyright 2008 Keen News Service;