When it comes to presidential elections, national party conventions are kind of a big deal.

It's not only when candidates officially transition to nominees, but when parties rally around a common message and members gear up for elections across the country.

So, it's a little disconcerting that so many Democrats are skipping this year's party convention in Charlotte (which runs Sept. 3-6).

Here's a list so far of who isn't making it:

• Missouri Sen. Clair McCaskill
• West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin
• West Virginia Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin
• West Virginia Congressman Nick Rahall
• Montana Sen. Jon Tester
• Pennsylvania Congressman Mark Critz
• New York Congresswoman Kathy Hochul
• New York Congressman Bill Owens
• Utah Congressman Jim Matheson
• North Carolina Congressman Mike McIntyre

Some of these politicians are running in their own tight elections and can't afford the time away from the campaign trail, but it seems that a lot represent conservative constituents and are trying to distance themselves from President Obama.

Oh, snap!