In keeping with the values of the 50-state strategy, the Denver Convention will embody our strong belief that if Democrats show up everywhere, stand up for what we believe, work hard and ask for people’s votes, we can win up and down the ballot anywhere in the country as the 2006 election demonstrated. We are committed to showcasing all aspects of the Democratic Party, to be inclusive and accessible and the web site will help us engage all communities in new and creative ways.

The web site features detailed information on delegate selection rules as well as a new interactive delegate map outlining information on the breakdown of each state’s delegates. For those who wish to learn more about the convention, the site includes a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) and has information on how to work or volunteer for the Denver Host Committee during the convention. The web site also includes a history of past Democratic conventions, including the first Democratic Convention in Denver exactly a century earlier, and will soon feature video of past convention speeches. Press releases and other relevant materials for members of the press are also available and as the convention nears, more information and interactive tools will be added, including photos and video of the community celebration in Denver Thursday, April 12.

“The 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver will be a first-rate convention that utilizes cutting-edge technology to engage and involve Democrats across the country who may not be able to attend in person but still want to be part of the convention. The web site will be a place to keep Americans informed of all the latest convention news and will be updated daily as the convention nears,” said Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean. “The convention will showcase the Democratic Party’s vision for America, along with the values the party shares with all Americans, and put our presidential nominee on the path to victory for the 2008 election.”

This convention will showcase the Party's vision for America, as well as the values the Party shares with all Americans. Local Democratic leaders like Denver mayor John Hickenlooper and Denver 2008 Host Committee President Elbra Wedgeworth will join Governor Dean at the event, as we start to build the partnership that will make this convention a success. Everyone is invited. Contact the Colorado Democratic Party or the Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee for more details.

Colorado Democratic Party
777 Santa Fe Drive
Denver, Colorado
(303) 623-4762

Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee
410 17th Street, Suite 1215
Denver, Colorado
(303) 534-6202

The Democratic Party also launched the official 2008 convention website today.

The new site allows visitors to learn more about the nominating process, how to be a delegate, or how to volunteer. Check it out and tell us what you think.

New West Politics has has an article up, highlighting Governor Dean's commitment to Denver as a reflection of his commitment to the 50-State Strategy, and making sure the Democratic Party is a truly national party.

Dean, whose once-controversial "50-state strategy" was hugely vindicated in November, said in a conference call with reporters Thursday that the political opportunity Democrats see in the West was what "tipped" the decision to Denver. New York was the other major contender.

"Victories by strong Democratic candidates [in the November elections] show how important the West is, and if we win the West we'll win the presidency," Dean said. He added that the choice of a Heartland state was also a chance to "show that Democratic party values are American values."

Plus, Colorado Confidential has a Q&A with Chris Gates, Co-Chair of the Host Committee, where they dish on why Denver is the best choice for Dems in '08 and what it means for the mile-high city. (Other than the fact that it's the best thing ever!)

For people who aren’t familiar with a national political convention, why should they be excited about this?

It’s the coolest thing that’s ever happened to Denver. It’s bigger than the Summit of the Eight. It’s bigger than the NBA All-Star Game. This will bring 10 days of national attention for Denver, and it’s an incredible opportunity to celebrate the West.

From our press shop:

Citing the Denver host committee's strong bid and growing Democratic gains in the Rocky Mountain West, Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today announced that Denver will host the 2008 Democratic National Convention Monday, August 25 to Thursday, August 28.

We will post additional information in a few moments.

UPDATE: Here's the link to the full press release: http://www.democrats.org/a/conventiona/

Dean issued the following statement:

"I am delighted to announce that the city of Denver will host the 2008 Democratic National Convention. I congratulate Mayor Hickenlooper, Governor Ritter, 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.

"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.

"New York is a wonderful city but in the end, it was the strength of Denver's bid that made it the best choice. From the state-of-the-art facilities to the commitment of community leaders to hosting an outstanding event, Mayor Hickenlooper and the host committee made clear that the Denver convention will be a great one. We thank the team for its hard-work during this process and look forward to working with them over the next year and a half to put on the best Democratic convention in history."

"And I would like to thank Mayor Bloomberg, the members of the New York Host Committee, and the rest of the team who organized New York City's bid to host the convention. Together, they made this an enormously difficult decision. I know how hard they worked, and appreciate all of their efforts."