Democratic Senators took center stage early this evening, with the spotlight set to shine brightest later tonight on Sen. Hilary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.) as she urges her former supporters to back the presidential campaign of her former rival, Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.).

The Democratic Party’s showcase of women’s issues and unity began with a recorded video introduction from Clinton for Sen. Barbara Mikulski (Md.). All the Senators received warm welcomes from the crowd, particularly California Sen. Barbara Boxer, whose home-state delegation stood on their feet, cheering.

Each Senator mentioned the issues they viewed as most important to their constituents. Sen. Mary Landrieu (La.) mentioned Hurricane Katrina, and Sen. Blanche Lincoln (Ark.) and Sen. Debbie Stabenow (Mich.) called for a stronger middle class and more job security.

“They deserve a president who will fight to keep good-paying jobs here at home,” Stabenow said. “Barack Obama wants to export our products, not our jobs.”

“Yes, we can have a better America,” said Sen. Claire McCaskill (Mo.), a longtime supporter of Obama, echoing his campaign speeches.