Last Friday's announcement that Barack Obama's campaign would allow a state-by state roll call floor vote at the Democratic convention in Denver has elated some of Senator Hillary Clinton's staunchest supporters. Though details of the vote are still be worked out, some now say the move which was intended to placate Clinton supporters still angry over her narrow loss to presumptive nominee Obama, could potentially have some have negative effects for both Democrats.

One of those excited by casting a symbolic vote for Clinton on the first ballot at the democratic convention is Rep. Loretta Sanchez, chair of the Hispanic caucus.

"I believe there are a lot of supporters for Hillary among the superdelegates, especially now that they've agreed to place her name in nomination. I think half the House Democrats would probably be Hillary supporters, especially women. ...I felt she was the most experienced and the best candidate and I still feel that way," Sanchez said according to Politico.com.

Despite Sanchez's hopes for a large number of votes in support of Clinton from the floor, speculation now says Clinton will actually garner fewer votes on a roll call vote than she actually won during her historic campaign, as many of her former supporters have thrown their support behind Barack Obama and don't intend to switch for the sake of symbolism.

Still, putting Clinton's name into nomination could not only spur anti-Obama Democrats from groups like PUMA (Party Unity My Ass) PAC but distract from what is expected to be Obama's shining political moment.

That said, a longtime Clinton adviser told Politico.com that the former first lady would in the final analysis likely garner between only 600 and 1,200 delegates, which would be considerably short of the approximately 1,800 she when she exited the race in early June. The net result being that the floor vote could give the appearance that Clinton's support has faded since she suspended her campaign in June.

That argument is countered however by the more than significant presence Hillary Clinton and her husband, former president Bill Clinton will have at next week's Democratic convention. With Hillary Clinton speaking on Tuesday night and Bill Clinton scheduled to speak on Wednesday, there can be no denying that the 2008 Democratic convention will be anything but a solo act for Barack Obama, nor will it be Hillary Clinton's swan song, judging from the looks of things.

By Jonas Oliver, © GayWired.com