Democratic Convention Quotes

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Here are some recent quotes from and about the cities bidding for the 2008 Democratic National Convention:

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman:

I am very optimistic that one of these conventions would be held in the Twin Cities. When you look at the amount of time that the Democrats spent in the Twin Cities, they're doing it for a reason."

DNC spokesman Damien LaVera:

"In the end, we're sure we'll select a city that will position our candidate for a great campaign," LaVera said, adding that logistics are the main factor in deciding where the convention is located.

City Councilwoman Elbra Wedgeworth, co-chairwoman of Denver's host committee, discussing St. Paul and New York:

"Denver is the only one not bidding for the Republican National Convention as well."

"More from Wedgeworth:

"It's been 100 years since we've hosted a convention here," she said. "We're also casting it as a regional bid - Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Kansas - we look at it as a place focusing on the Midwest and the West."

Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, on New Orleans dropping its bid:

"It's hurricane season and that makes it tricky," he said. "They were certainly a sentimental favorite, but after Katrina it will take a few years before people feel comfortable. I think they will come back, though. It's a great city."

"And just like the last time I did this, I couldn't find one quote about New York. There's just nothing interesting to say about New York's bid, and I don't think that's a good thing for New York's chances.