DENVER — After Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s red-hot and red-meat speech, which capped the second night of the Democratic National Convention, most of Missouri’s delegates trekked several blocks away (past protesters and over a three-foot concrete barricade) to a bank of buses that whisked them away for the week’s big state celebration party.The invitation-only event was held at the Wings over the Rockies Air and Space Museum, and co-hosted by many of St. Louis’ remaining major companies, including Boeing, Monsanto, Anheuser-Busch, Burns & McDonnell, J E Dunn and Cerner.

The venerable consultant/facilitator Lou Hamilton and political consultant Richard Martin helped put the evening together.

A number of St. Louis political consultants and operatives, and just general Democrats, were in the crowd.

Over roast beef, various finger foods, and plenty of drink (alcohol and the other kind), the delegates — whether committed to Clinton and Barack Obama — mingled and danced to a fabulous big-band group of retirees who played dead-on versions of Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman’s greatest hits. (I’m “In the Mood,” OK. Just wish they had played Miller’s “St. Louis Blues March.” Nothing better until the Beatles.)

Former U.S. Rep. Richard A. Gephardt, D-St. Louis County, stopped by early, but was gone by the time most of the packed buses finally arrived.

U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill (Obama) and U.S. Reps. Russ Carnahan (Obama) and Ike Skelton (Clinton) each gave brief remarks. “I thought tonight was particularly special,” McCaskill told the crowd. “Didn ‘t she do a great job?”

After lauding Clinton for saying that the presidential quest was “not about her, not about Barack,” McCaskill hoisted a glass of beer and declared: “Have fun! Have another beer.”

Also in the crowd: Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, state Auditor Susan Montee, former Gov. Bob Holden and former Lt. Gov. Joe Maxwell.

Aside from the Clinton-Obama peace, the gathering was particularly interesting from a state angle. New attorney general nominee Chris Koster was in the ballroom, as were most of the operatives (such as Martin) who’d helped Margaret Donnelly, the woman who narrowly lost to him and is now seeking a recount. Those two camps weren’t mingling, but everyone was civil.