Matheson's GOP opponent, former homebuilder Bill Dew, sees nothing wrong with Matheson's absence. "I hear he wants to take his son to his first day of school, and I'm always in favor of putting family first." Dew said he had no comment on whether Matheson doesn't want to associate himself with national Democrats.

Kurt Bestor, a first-time Democratic National Convention delegate, better known as a composer and jazz performer, was not too disappointed in Matheson's decision.

"If he could have been there at least the final night, it would go a long way to unity in our state party," he said. "I don't think he is trying to avoid being seen with Democrats. Most people know by now that he is a Democrat. So that's much ado about nothing."

Josie Valdez, another first-time delegate who is the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor, said, "It's such an historically important event that it seems to me all the delegates would want to attend. However, if family and political duties prevent that, it's his choice."

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