Democratic convention dropouts: the growing band of Obama refuseniks
The Guardian

Some high-profile Democrats are citing tight races and the need for distance from Obama in skipping Charlotte convention.

When Obama addressed the Democratic convention in Denver four years ago, it was one of the hottest tickets in the nation.

Mitt Romney's campaign team has moved to capitalize on announcements by some Democratic members of Congress they intend to skip the party's high-profile September convention.

When Barack Obama addressed the Democratic convention in Denver four years ago, it was one of the hottest tickets in the nation. But this year's convention is already shaping up as less of a draw.

At least nine members of Congress, including one of Obama's earliest and most enthusiastic supporters, Claire McCaskill, have already announced they will not be attending. In addition to non-attendance by some politicians, the convention organizers are $27m short [oh bummer] of the $36m estimated cost of holding the event, prompting cancellations of planned events.