Denver announces intention to host convention

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Denver is keeping up the PR offensive, with Mayor John Hickenlooper announcing the city's intentions to host the 2008 Democratic National Convention:

"One hundred years ago - in 1908 - the nation looked to Denver as Democrats nominated one of America's greatest orators, William Jennings Bryan," the official letter of intent reads. "It would be a great honor - and an historic event - for Denver to host the Democratic National Convention again a century later."

"There has been a lot of talk about this Western states primary, so if we take more of a regional approach we really think it will be a strong application," said City Councilwoman Elbra Wedgeworth, who is co-chairwoman of a committee in charge of courting the Democrats. "I'm excited."

"I think Denver is in a really great position," said Dan Slater, vice-chairman of the state Democratic party, who is also on the committee working on Denver's bid.

Slater said while the politics are partisan, the convention could bring the kind of attention everyone in Denver would favor.

"Generally, it is a win-win proposition for the city," he said. "Some people might think of it as a hassle, but for the most part, the kind of exposure that the city gets ... is exactly what we want for the convention community and for the tourism community.

This weekend, the DNC and the Association of State Democratic Chairs have been hosting the State Party Leadership Summit. Dan Slater, mentioned in the article above, has been doing a great job blogging the event over at DemNotes. I have no doubt that Slater and the Colorado delegation are talking up their convention bid at this event. As Dan writes:

... we’re working to ensure that Colorado and the West get the attention from the DNC that is needed.

Denver's PR blitz clearly keeps them the frontrunner for the convention.