MINOT (AP) - North Dakota Democrats won't be leaving carbon footprints when they travel to the party's national convention.

The 25 members of the state delegation are using carbon credits purchased from the city of Fargo to offset their trip's greenhouse gas production.

It's part of a program at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, which gets under way Monday. North Dakota is among 10 state and territorial delegations with all members participating in the challenge. The delegations will be recognized in their seating section on the floor of the convention.

Kayla Whitaker won't have to worry about a good seat. The 20-year-old West Fargo woman is one of 10 Barack Obama supporters from around the country selected to meet the candidate backstage at the convention before he delivers his acceptance speech.

"I guess I really latched on to Obama's message of change," Whitaker said.

United Tribes Technical College President David Gipp also will get a unique view of the proceedings. He's scheduled to speak Tuesday night, about the role of tribal higher education in the process of rebuilding tribal nations.

Gipp is a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and has been president of the Bismarck college since 1977.

James Maxson of Minot will be attending his third national convention. He said the highlight will be "seeing lots of what I would call old friends and acquaintances that I have met over the years, both at the state level and the national level. There's certainly a camaraderie."

Roger White Owl, administrative officer for the Three Affiliated Tribes, said he looks forward to making new friends - particularly policy makers.

"The networking ability with individuals who are going to be there is just going to be amazing," he said.