June 13 - Minority voters are often considered the bread and butter of the Democratic Party's constituency. But the party has been less successful at getting those voters involved in party politics. States across the country are in the process of selecting delegates to attend the Democratic National Convention in August. And the results will determine if minority voters will see themselves represented on the convention floor in Denver. Jes Burns Reports.

That's the sound of Carol Horne being announced as one of the 6 top female vote getters for Obama at Oregon's 4th Congressional District Delegate Caucus. She was running against approximately 90 others to become one of 5 Obama delegates from the District. Horne became involved with the local Democratic Party five years ago because she didn't see anyone like herself represented there. And as one of the top 6, that was her platform.

"I'm running from the LGBT community because I want our delegation is as Diverse as our state. [Barack Obama has brought us all together and he will be the candidate. But the convention is about a lot more than that.] I want to be there to show that Oregon is diverse and humane and that we are all one."

This year was the first year the Democratic National Committee included LGBT and people with disabilities as under-represented groups within the party. In the official DNC "delegate selection rules," [African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian/Pacific Americans and women are also listed as groups where] they join a list of minority groups that the party – quote - "encourage[s] participation in the delegate selection process." Trent Lutz is the Executive Director of the Democratic Party of Oregon.

"Here in Oregon we came up with our own plan and own representation goals. And so at every convention and on every ballot we inform people and remind people that we do want to be a diverse delegation. And we encourage them vote in a similar way."

This year, the state has the goal of including two African Americans, three Asian Americans, five from the LGBT community, seven Hispanic or Latino Americans and one Native American. If met, minorities would makes up one-third of the State's seated delegation.

John Cuff identifies as African American and has represented Oregon at two previous national conventions. He says the Democratic Party needs to reach out on the community level.

"[We need to go out where we're not comfortable and talk to them about the things we have in common. It's a slow process.] It's not that the Democratic Party doesn't want minorities in or people of color in. It's that we as a group have not developed the right tools to go out and do those things."

To make the party more inclusive, the DNC has given local party members the "tool" of encouragement, but has not issued a mandate. Party members are required to select an even number of men and women, but despite diversity goals, they still have the right to vote for whomever they see best fit to represent them.

After an exhausting afternoon of campaigning, Carol Horne thinks her chances of becoming a delegate are good. [She says her toughest competition will come from the women considered to be movers and shakers in the local party – none of whom identified themselves as minorities.]

"Karen Lonon-Jones, Nancy Webber and the alternate coming from the fourth congrssional district, Sara Bayer…"

Ultimately, Horne doesn't make it.

"That was hard. I think this was my best chance to go to Denver. And I gave it my best shot. And I am disappointed that we are one more time mostly white, when there were other choices [to make.]"

Democrats in Oregon's 4th Congressional district selected five Obama delegates at Saturday's caucus. And even though there were four self-identified minorities among the 11 finalists, the district failed to meet the Democratic Party's diversity goals. Only one received enough votes to go to Denver.

For Election Unspun, I'm Jes Burns reporting from Cottage Grove, Oregon.

Interview: James Yee on American-Muslim Participation

The Democratic party does not set goals for Muslim representation at the convention. At least one Muslim will be a delegate, James Yee is third generation Chinese American and Islam convert and Washington State delegate. He tells Election Unspun's Karen Miller about his journey to Denver.

"I see America as being a very diverse country. The people of America, come from all different walks of life, all different ethnic backgrounds. And I think the Democratic Party wants to reflect this in its party, to really represent the American people. And I think this encouragement, to have everyone participate, is really what makes the democratic system work best."

"At our state level, there's not a category for minority religions, or diverse faiths. But within the American-Muslim community I can tell you that there is significant encouragement for people to get involved and to make strides within the America political process."