Keeping with tradition, the best seats at the Democratic National Convention are reserved for the presidential nominee's home state delegates. This year, aside from the myriad of speeches by party leaders, the Illinois delegation will be front and center for a special appearance by Illinois Dept. of Veterans Affairs director Tammy Duckworth:

An Iraq war veteran who lost both legs when her Black Hawk helicopter was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade will lead a tribute to service members and veterans on the third night of the Democratic National Convention.

Tammy Duckworth, who lost a bid for Congress in Barack Obama's home state of Illinois in 2006, has become a well-known advocate for veterans and military families.

The focus Wednesday will be on honoring the military and a "new, tough foreign policy approach that is neither Republican nor Democratic," the Obama campaign said. The theme is "Securing America's Future." The headline prime-time speaker will be the vice presidential nominee, who has not been named.

Could this be a try-out for a Senate appointment? Only time will tell.

(H/T Think Progress)