Mile High City Lands 2008 DNC Bid

For Immediate Release January 11, 2007 Contact: Rachel Gordon (303) 534-6200 Mile High City Lands 2008 Democratic National Convention Bid (DENVER, CO) Councilwoman Elbra Wedgeworth, President of the Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee and the Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee, today announced that Governor Howard Dean, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), has named Denver as the host city for the 2008 Democratic National Convention. As a result of the Host Committee’s successful efforts to bring the Convention to Denver, the DNC signed a contract with the Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee, the City of Denver and Kroenke Sports Enterprises. This contract officially designates Denver as the host city for the 2008 Democratic National Convention. Speaking from the Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center and joined by Governor Bill Ritter and Mayor John Hickenlooper, Councilwoman Wedgeworth stated, "This is tremendous news for the City of Denver, for the State of Colorado, and for the region. As the Rocky Mountain West continues its journey towards turning bright blue, holding the Democratic National Convention in Denver will demonstrate to the nation the West’s pivotal role in taking back the White House in 2008.” Councilwoman Wedgeworth continued, “The Convention will undoubtedly bring with it an unparalleled opportunity for economic development to the Denver metro area and give Denver a unique opportunity to showcase to the nation its natural beauty and the modern, culturally diverse and vibrant city it has become.” Denver joined the ranks of 35 cities invited by the DNC to submit a bid in August 2005. Of those cities, only Denver, Minneapolis/St. Paul and New York City submitted formal bids to host the Convention. The Democratic National Convention is scheduled to convene August 25 – 28, 2008 and expected to draw some 35,000 guests to the region including delegates, politicians and an influx of media and political enthusiasts from around the nation. In addition to the unprecedented media attention on the city, it is estimated that Denver will reap between $150-$200 million in economic benefits. In a statement released earlier today, Governor Dean lauded Denver and the Rocky Mountain West as the ideal arena for the 2008 Democratic nominee to launch a successful bid for the White House, “I am delighted to announce that the city of Denver will host the 2008 Democratic National Convention. I congratulate Governor Ritter, Mayor Hickenlooper, Senator Salazar and the members of the Denver Host Committee for assembling an outstanding bid that demonstrates the community's commitment to organizing a first-rate national convention that will put our nominee on the path to victory in 2008. Governor Dean continued, "There is no question that the West is important to the future of the Democratic Party. 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.” The Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee was created in February 2006 by Host Committee President, Councilwoman Elbra Wedgeworth along with Co-Chairs Juanita Chacon, an RTD board member, Steve Farber of Brownstein, Hyatt, Farber and Schreck, Chris Gates, President of the National Civic League, Finance Chair Willie Shepherd of Kamlet Shepherd & Reichert and over 100 prominent business and community leaders of the Denver metro area. Denver 2008 enjoyed widespread Congressional support from Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada along with Senators Ken Salazar of Colorado, Max Baucus of Montana, Jeff Bingaman of New Mexico, Bryon Dorgan of North Dakota, Ben Nelson of Nebraska, Kent Conrad of North Dakota, Maria Cantwell of Washington, Tim Johnson of South Dakota, Senator Jon Tester of Montana and 47 Members of Congress from 24 states including then Chairman of the Democratic Campaign Congressional Committee, Congressman Rahm Emanuel (IL-05). Throughout the bidding process, the Host Committee touted the proximity and affordability of 7,800 hotel rooms within walking distance of the Pepsi Center, hundreds of restaurants located downtown, plentiful transportation options for Convention travelers, Denver’s ideal dry summer climate, the City’s lively and revitalized downtown and the growing numbers of Democratic elected officials in both state and federal offices throughout the Rocky Mountain region. The Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee’s office is located in the heart of downtown Denver at 410 17th Street, Suite 1215 and can be reached at (303) 534-6200, via email denver2008@gmail.com or online at www.denverconvention2008.com. ##