DNC invites 33 cities to bid for 2008 convention

WE'VE MOVED! Democratic Convention Watch is now at http://www.DemocraticConventionWatch.com

Following up on the news yesterday that the DNC will hold their spring 2006 meeting in New Orleans, the Times-Picayune also notes:

Dean said that the DNC last week sent a letter to Mayor Ray Nagin inviting him to submit papers to host the party's big event -- its 2008 national presidential nomination convention slated for Aug. 25-28. Thirty-two other cities received similar invitations.

The former Vermont governor and 2004 Democratic presidential candidate said he would be delighted if New Orleans applies for the convention, which traditionally draws more than 25,000 visitors, including delegates and media. Hosting such a massive event is "a lot to bite off" and a "huge, huge endeavor," Dean said, and the city's chances depends on how quickly "it can come back all the way."

The host city won't be announced until after the 2006 midterm elections.

While the list of the 33 cities is not available, in 2004 the list of 34 cities was:

Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Kansas City (MO), Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Memphis, Nashville, New Orleans, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland (OR), San Antonio, San Diego, St. Louis, St. Paul, San Francisco, Sacramento, Seattle, Salt Lake City and Washington, DC