DNC changes tune on convention site criteria

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A few weeks ago, DNC Chairman Howard Dean made it clear what criteria was most important in choosing the site of the 2008 Democratic National Convention:

"You've got to have a successful convention," Dean said, "so the nitty-gritty - raising money, transportation, hotels - becomes more important than any political message you might get out of it."

But today, DNC spokesman Damien LaVera said Dean would make his choice

based on which city he believes would give the biggest boost to the party's nominee.

It would be hard to argue that such a switch in priority does not help Denver's bid.