National Democrats announced today that they have picked Denver over New York for the 2008 Democratic National Convention.
“The initial euphoria and excitement was joined by anxiety about how much work we have to do,” said Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper.
Denver’s selection brings the high-profile political gathering to the Pepsi Center in August 2008 — exactly 100 years after the city hosted its first and only national party convention. About 35,000 delegates and journalists are expected for what business leaders hope will mean a more than $160 million boon for the city.
“There is no question that the West is important to the future of the Democratic Party,” Democratic National Committee chairman Howard Dean said in a release. “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.”
“I really believe that this is going to be a tremendous economic tool for our city,” said host committee fundraiser Willie Shepherd.
“Our city will be showcased to an international audience for the next 18 months,” he said.
The decision comes after problems with both the Denver and New York bids forced the Democratic National Committee to delay its choice for weeks.
Chairman Howard Dean had planned to pick a city before 2007. But just as an announcement was expected, Denver hit “a possible deal-breaker” when a local union refused to promise not to strike during the convention.
Just as Denver was realizing its problems, New York – which rested the strength of its bid on its financial clout – announced it likely could not raise the money.
For months politicians and other officials from Montana to New Mexico have pushed Denver’s bid for the convention as a way of tapping a new political resource for the Democrats. Chairman Dean’s decision comes as an acknowledgement of his party’s potential in the West.
Locally, city officials are touting the victory as the Mile High City’s next stair-step toward becoming a major U.S. city.
Democrats had to weigh the city’s maturity against its political potential in making the choice. In the months-long campaign for the convention, Denver was often a sentimental favorite, but the practicality of holding a large convention in a city of about 550,000 people created skepticism.
Questions about whether Denver officials could convince party leaders that the Denver community could raise the necessary millions of dollars and provide thousands of hotel rooms lingered throughout.
By contrast, New York’s rival bid for the convention was grounded in its reputation as a convention regular and a financial juggernaut. The city has hosted five conventions since Denver last did, including the 2004 Republican National Convention.
But enthusiasm for the convention in New York waned as 2007 approached. In early January, Mayor Michael Bloomberg told reporters “we’re just not in the business of paying for” conventions, according to the New York Times.
Staff writer George Merritt can be reached at 303-954-1657 or gmerritt@denverpost.com.
