January 11, 2007
Breaking: Dean Chooses Denver
The labor pains were hard, but the DNC finally has its 2008 convention city locked down: Denver.
A Democrat who was briefed said that chairman Howard Dean made the final decision yesterday, weeks later than planned. DNC comm. dir. Karen Finney declined to confirm the choice.
Colorado is a marquee states for Democrats, who have, in the past two years, gobbled up the governor's mansion, control of the state legislature, and two congressional seats.
But Denver's bid was shot through with holes from the start. The first technical submission was greeted with dismay by party regulars; revised bids were better. Labor unions threatened to balk unless Denver began to unionize its hotels; others wanted to extract compromises from the DNC and the state about union participation. The DNC worried about whether Denver could raise the $50 million necessary to stage the marquee event for the '08 Dem nominee. Promises by out of state governors to raise millions were greeted skeptically.
It was not immediately clear what made Dean comfortable that Denver had settled these issues.
NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg was once enthusiastic about the prospect of a DNC convention, even opening City Hall for meetings of top Democratic financiers. But Bloomberg turned soured about the prospect the more he dealt with the DNC.
New York City would have been the safe choice, logistically and financially. But it would have been a political nightmare and set Dean apart from his Netroots allies and virtually every strategist, presidential candidate and office holder in the party. But Dean aides have said that he was not prepared to risk holding a convention in a city that was not prepared to handle it. [MARC AMBINDER]
Posted at 11:03 AM
Comments
What are the dates of the convention?
Marjorie Rosen | 01.11.07 11:24 AM
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...since when do all Democrats hate NYC? I guess I should be glad that apparently every pundit, candidate, and blogofascist has finally found common ground, but bashing the decadent coastal strongholds in favor of the Mountain West seems rather unnecessary.
scarshapedstar | 01.11.07 11:34 AM
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The Libertarian Party decided to have its convention in Denver months ago.
DAP | 01.11.07 11:58 AM
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Denver's a great choice.
Annie Barr | 01.11.07 12:51 PM
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It isn't about hating New York.
Denver is in the center of the Democratic Party's largest area of growth. The Mountain West is where we can make our biggest gains. Why wouldn't we hold our convention there, instead of someplace safe that's ALREADY full of liberals?
This gives us an opportunity to make inroads, and quite potentially expand union power in the Mountain West in the bargain.
I laud Howard Dean's decision and look forward to yet another example of the 50 state strategy in action.
Eddie in ME | 01.11.07 01:07 PM
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Denver? Does it snow in Denver in August? Lordy, that'd be a site....everyone sleeping in some arena in Denver because they're snowed in. Like a frigid Superdome during Katrina.
Jesse | 01.11.07 01:09 PM
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DNCDenver2008.com
Stay tuned for more!
DNCDenver2008.com | 01.11.07 01:09 PM
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Rock on!
I live in Denver, and I am excited by the possiblity of this convention.
Trust me folks, Denver is a great choice. Think about it, first some quality progressive agenda, followed by a short ride up to vail to hit the slopes for some powder!
john doe | 01.11.07 01:59 PM
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Denver is beautiful with perfect weather in the summer and fall, unlike New York that in August can have the weather equivalent to a tropical rain forest. We need to do things in a manner that includes people from all parts of the country.
There is a tendency to treat the US as though New York and California are the only places that matter. It's time that we include other areas in the conversation and participation which will in turn only result in enthusiasm and support. I agree with Eddie's comments and I live in New York.
Nicole Shore | 01.12.07 09:49 AM
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OK! There is no snow in Denver in August! Not even in Vail!
So, Denver's not the cultural mecca of the Universe, but then again neiter is DC, NY or LA.
Try a little something different before you turn up your nose!
But again for those of you who love the same old thing keep putting out those cookie cutter events... No one knows better!
SHOEin | 04.22.08 06:46 PM
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