DENVER - Illinois' fractious delegation to the National Democratic Convention broke into a remarkable display of tears and hugging Wednesday, culminating with a brief embrace between Gov. Rod Blagojevich and Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan that drew thunderous applause.

Blagojevich later called the moment "as historic as the Obama campaign for president."

Clearly it wasn't, but the moment could have ramifications in Springfield, where state leaders have been unable to agree on a new infrastructure program, budget priorities and other issues.

The logjam is largely because Blagojevich and Madigan have been unable to so much as sit through meetings together because of a deep-seated animosity over a series of issues.

The spontaneous burst of unity salvaged a morning delegate breakfast meeting that had been going badly for the controversial governor. The audience of his fellow Illinois Democrats conspicuously didn't stand for him when he started his speech and a few scattered boos arose from the back of the room.

The ice broke later in the program when U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Chicago, son of the civil rights leader, delivered an emotional speech about the necessity of his state's bickering Democrats to patch it up for the sake of favorite son Barack Obama. Jackson offered up a list of reconciliatory statements to fellow politicians in the room with whom he's had conflicts.

Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley responded by rising and hugging Jackson, which moved Jackson to tears and finally to make a demand from the podium: "I'm not going to be seated until I see Rod Blagojevich give Mike Madigan a hug."

Amid an explosive response from the crowded room, Blagojevich, who has sued Madigan on constitutional grounds, and Madigan, who has hinted that Blagojevich should be impeached for incompetence, stood and engaged in a quick, awkward hug that sparked a frenzy of thunderous cheers from the delegation.

Blagojevich later joked with reporters that the moment might have been caused by Denver's high altitude, but he did seem genuinely hopeful that they might build on the light moment when they all get back to Illinois.

However, Blagojevich declined to comment on whether he believes he and Madigan are any closer to reaching consensus on the infrastructure plan or other issues, saying, "I don't want to ruin the mood."

kmcdermott@post-dispatch.com