WASHINGTON (CNN) January 11, 2007 — The
Democratic National Committee has chosen Denver to host the party's 2008
national convention, the committee formally announced late this morning.
Denver beat out other cities including New York for the right to host the
party's presidential nominating convention that begins August 25 and runs
through August 28. DNC Chairman Howard Dean cited the party's recent
political successes made in the West as one of the reasons why he chose
Denver for the convention site.
"There is no question that the West is important to the future of the
Democratic Party," Dean said in a prepared statement. "The recent Democratic
gains in the West exemplify the principle that when we show up and ask for
people's votes and talk about what we stand for, we can win in any part of
the country. Additionally, we have a number of strong Democratic leaders in
the West who will be a part of showcasing the vision of Democratic
leadership for America as we introduce the next Democratic President in the
Rocky Mountains."
One of the leaders Dean is apparently referring to is Senate Majority Leader
Harry Reid, D-Nevada, who Democratic sources tell CNN urged the DNC to pick
Denver as the host city.
In an interview with CNN, Colorado Democratic Party Chair Patricia Waak said
the party received two calls from the DNC this morning leading her to
believe that Denver would be selected as the 2008 convention site. At that
time, Waak said she expected an official announcement shortly.
The last time a Democratic convention was held in Denver was 1908, when the
Democrats nominated William Jennings Bryan as their nominee for a third
time. News that the DNC picked Denver was first reported by National
Journal's Hotline.
Jon Garrido,
President, The Blue
Dogs of the National
Democratic Party
