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Former Miami professor Donald Daiker leaves for the National Democratic Convention in Denver next week — the first convention delegate from Oxford since 1972.

Daiker closely followed the published procedures of the Ohio Democratic Party, and when he read that anyone interested in becoming a delegate to the 2008 Democratic National Convention could do so by submitting a statement of intent, that's exactly what he did — pledging his support to Barack Obama.

"I support Barack Obama because he represents the change we need following eight years of a failed Bush administration," Daiker said. "Obama stands for hope at a time when our economy is in crisis and our foreign policy is in shambles. Obama believes in diplomacy rather than belligerent confrontation, and in economic justice rather than tax cuts for the wealthy. I endorse Obama's policy of withdrawing from Iraq as carefully as we got in carelessly."

On Jan. 3, about 200 Democrats from the area assembled at the Butler Tech in Hamilton, with each person choosing to attend the caucus of the candidate of their choice: Hillary Clinton, John Edwards, Bill Richardson or Barack Obama (there were no supporters of Chris Dodd, Joe Biden, Dennis Kucinich or Mike Gravel present).

At the Obama caucus, Daiker gave a speech, pointing out that in the past, he served as chair of both the Butler County Democratic Party of the Butler County Board of Elections, as well as holding leadership positions in campaigns from John Gilligan to John Kerry.

He also expressed his strong and unwavering commitment to Barack Obama, and his determination to work for Obama's election.

Daiker was victorious in receiving the most votes at the Obama caucus, as was Obama in winning strong support Ohio's Primary Elections in March, making Daiker an official Democratic Convention delegate pledged to Barack Obama.

As a delegate, Daiker's central role will be to cast a vote for Barack Obama as the nominee of the Democratic Party for President of the United States during the roll call of states. He also will be responsible for voting on motions of the convention's Rules, Credentials and Platform Committees. 

What Daiker is most excited for, though, is Barack Obama's acceptance speech on Aug. 28, exactly 45 years to the day when Dr. Martin Luther King gave his "I Have a Dream" speech at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial.

Obama's acceptance speech will be given at Denver's Invesco Field — formerly Mile High Stadium, which seats 76,000 — to make for a rousing event.

Daiker is also looking forward to participating in Delegate Service Day, when Ohio delegates will engage in community service at Sunset Park Senior Center.

The delegates will play bingo and other games with the seniors, as well as help serve them lunch.

Democratic delegates from other states will participate in volunteer activities, such as planting trees, collecting litter, sorting cans at a free store and reading to children.

Along with Daiker's excitement about the convention itself is the enthusiasm of getting the opportunity to work along side and socialize with his political heroes as well as Ohio's top Democrats.

With the anticipation also comes a feeling of great pride. This Democratic convention will be the greenest ever, Daiker said. 

"All delegates have been encouraged to offset their carbon dioxide footprint by purchasing offsets from Native Energy, a community-based clean energy project," he said, "and that's exactly what my wife, Vicky, who will be traveling with me, and I have done."

As the first convention delegate from Oxford in a long time, Daiker is looking forward to the role he will play as he hopes to gain support for Obama, and in turn put the candidate he deems best for restoring the nation in the White House.

"The convention is important because it will inspire the thousands of participants and the millions of spectators to campaign to elect the first African-American president in history," Daiker said.

"Sen. Obama's election will enable us to repair our shattered alliances abroad, reduce our dependency on foreign oil and bring new hope to Americans who have been hurt by our current recession."