Democrats kicked off the second day of the convention this afternoon by stressing a message of party unity in the lead up to the much-anticipated prime-time address by former presidential candidate Sen. Hilary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) tonight.

Democratic speakers were expected to highlight party unity and also women’s issues throughout the day.

Key swing-state governors, Pennsylvania’s Ed Rendell (D) and Ohio’s Ted Strickland (D) — both who supported Clinton, were slated to address the convention, as was Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (D), a key supporter of presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.).

In a sign of party diversity, Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.), who opposes abortion, was set to address delegates, too. In 1992, his father, then-Pennsylvania Gov. Bob Casey was denied a speaking slot at the convention because of his opposition to abortion.

Former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner (D), who is now running for the Senate, will deliver tonight’s keynote address. The Obama campaign has made a major effort to win Virginia in this fall’s election.

On a historical note, Ted Sorenson, a speechwriter and adviser to President John F. Kennedy, kicked off the day by comparing the ideals and convictions of Obama to Kennedy. Sorenson has also served as an unofficial adviser to the Obama campaign.