2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Clinton Campaign Reaction To DNC Meeting On Seating Florida Delegation

Clinton Campaign Reaction to DNC Meeting on Seating Florida Delegation

Deputy Communications Director Phil Singer issued the following statement in response to the DNC’s meeting with the Florida delegation today on seating its delegation:

"We have long maintained that pretending the voters of Florida and Michigan don’t exist is not fair in principle and unwise in practice.  This morning’s Quinnipiac poll out of Florida reflects the urgent need for Democrats to get behind our effort to count Florida’s voters and seat its delegation.  Chairman Dean is clearly committed to seating the Florida delegation and we urge Senator Obama to join us in calling on the rules and bylaws committee to make this a reality."

Joint Statement On Seating Florida's Delegates

Joint Statement from DNC Chairman Howard Dean, Florida Democratic Chairwoman Karen L. Thurman and the Florida Congressional Delegation on Seating Florida's Delegates

Washington, DC - After a joint meeting today among Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean, Florida Democratic Chairwoman Karen L. Thurman and the Florida Congressional Delegation, the participants issued this joint statement:

"We are all committed to doing everything we can to ensure that a Florida delegation is seated in Denver.  We all agree that whatever the solution, it must have the support of both campaigns.  While there may be differences of opinion in how we get there, we are all committed to ensuring that Florida's delegation is seated in Denver.  We're committed to working with both campaigns to reach a solution as soon as realistically possible.  We are also laying the groundwork to ensure we win in Florida in November and spent time here today talking about how to do just that.  We will continue to work towards a solution to ensure delegates are seated and logistics are in place for a Florida delegation in Denver."

2008 Democratic Primary And Caucus Calendar Map

Democratic National Convention Committee Unveils New Website

DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION COMMITTEE UNVEILS NEW WEBSITE INCLUDING EXTENSIVE SPANISH LANGUAGE CONTENT AT WWW.DEMCONVENTION.COM

Dewey Digital Named Official Website Producer

DENVER - Furthering its commitment to engage a broad spectrum of communities in new and creative ways, the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) today unveiled its new website at www.DemConvention.com featuring a dynamic new look and including extensive Spanish language content. The website will be the cornerstone of the 2008 Democratic National Convention's online communications efforts, combining technology from a variety of platforms to engage constituencies in Denver and across the country in meaningful and innovative ways in the lead up to and during Convention week - August 25-28, 2008.

"To truly make DemConvention.com a go-to resource and an all-access pass to our event, we needed maximum flexibility and a platform on which to build the cutting-edge functionality that will help our Convention leave its mark," said Leah D. Daughtry, CEO of the DNCC. "Offering extensive Spanish language content is just one of the many ways by which this site will bring more people into the Convention experience than ever before. From video, audio and photos to contact tools and our blog,

DemConvention.com will use a variety of methods to engage new communities, generate interest and fuel enthusiasm around this Convention - for those in Denver and beyond."
In the coming months, the DNCC will work continuously to expand the site by innovating in creative, meaningful ways. During Convention week, the DNCC will position DemConvention.com as a resource for delegates, media and other Convention attendees as well as a means for Democrats and netroots activists all across the country to participate in the Denver experience. Starting today, visitors to the site can sign up to receive regular updates on Convention news, events and other developments. Press releases and other relevant materials for members of the media are also available.

Dewey Digital, named today as the DNCC's Official Website Producer, designed the site to provide increased flexibility and functionality for new features to be introduced in the months ahead. The company specializes in new media technology, public policy, issue outreach and political action and uses cutting-edge media tools to speak to 21st century Americans.

"The Internet and emerging media cross all language and cultural lines in the U.S. today," said Tim Chambers, Principal for Dewey Digital. "We are excited to build out an online presence for the Democratic National Convention that will allow the entire nation to engage and connect up with this key event -- in ways that reach people in the media they use, in the language they speak and on the issues they care about most."

To promote connectivity between users, the site also provides delegates and advocates with an "online home" to meet and organize before, during and after the Convention through various social networking applications like Facebook, MySpace, Flickr and others.

DemConvention.com will continue to provide up-to-the-minute news and features on the blog and information on volunteer opportunities, delegate selection, the nomination process and past Democratic Conventions, including the first Democratic National Convention in Denver 100 years ago.

The site was first launched in April 2007.

DNCC Names Level 3 Official Live Video and Content Delivery Services Provider for 2008 Democratic National Convention

DNCC NAMES LEVEL 3 OFFICIAL LIVE VIDEO AND CONTENT DELIVERY SERVICES PROVIDER FOR 2008 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION
Colorado-Based Communications Company to Provide Live, High-Definition, Gavel-to-Gavel Streaming Coverage

DENVER - The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) and Colorado-based Level 3 Communications (NASDAQ: LVLT) announced today that Level 3 has been named as the Official Live Video and Content Delivery Services Provider for the 2008 Democratic National Convention, to be held Aug. 25-28, in Denver. In that role, Level 3 will provide video broadcast services, as well as online video downloading and live streaming of the four-day event, including speeches and other Convention content, via the Internet at www.DemConvention.com.

"We often talk about our commitment to bringing down the walls of the Pepsi Center by using technology and other tools to bring more people in to our Convention experience than ever before," said Leah D. Daughtry, CEO of the DNCC. "Level 3 moves us one giant step closer to that goal. Their video broadcast and live streaming capabilities will provide millions of people around the world with an all-access pass to this historic event next August."

As the Official Live Video and Content Delivery Services Provider, Level 3 will deliver live analog and High-Definition (HD) video broadcast services from the Pepsi Center, site of the 2008 Democratic National Convention. In addition, the DNCC will use Level 3's Content Delivery Network (CDN) to provide online video downloading and live streaming of the Convention. Level 3's CDN will also cache the Convention's web site on servers across its network to deliver a high-quality, online viewing experience. Together, these services will enable a global audience to access and view Convention content as best suits their needs, using the Internet-enabled device of their choice.

"The emergence of video and other rich media over the Internet has introduced a new era of communications that moves beyond traditional voice and Internet services," said Brady Rafuse, president of Level 3's Content Markets Group. "Today, greater online information access and two-way interactivity are reshaping election politics and providing more people with a voice than ever before. The 2008 Democratic National Convention marks an important milestone in the current presidential election and offers a unique opportunity for Level 3 to support the DNCC, the community and the nation by providing the video and content delivery services to enable a new standard in communications."

In working with the DNCC, Level 3 brings a proven track record of providing video broadcast services in support of political conventions, elections and other live events, such as the Super Bowl. Over the past decade, Level 3 has also served as the underlying provider of video transmission capabilities for each of the major television networks to broadcast the annual State of the Union address.

The 2008 Democratic National Convention is expected to pump an estimated $160 million into the Denver area's economy and draw approximately 35,000 visitors to the region.

2008 Democratic National Convention Delegate Allocation

State	Total Pledged	Total Un-pledged	Total #	Alternates	Total Size
AL	52	8	60	9	69
AK	13	5	18	4	22
American	3	6	12	1	13
AZ	56	11	67	9	76
AR	35	12	47	6	53
CA	370	71	441	62	503
CO	55	16	71	9	80
CT	48	12	60	8	68
DE	15	8	23	4	27
Abroad	7	4	22	1	23
DC	15	23	38	4	42
FL	0	0	0	0	0
GA	87	16	103	15	118
Guam	4	5	13	1	14
HI	20	9	29	4	33
ID	18	5	23	4	27
IL	153	32	185	26	211
IN	72	12	84	12	96
IA	45	12	57	8	65
KS	32	9	41	5	46
KY	51	9	60	9	69
LA	56	10	66	9	75
ME	24	10	34	4	38
MD	70	29	99	12	111
MA	93	28	121	16	137
MI	0	0	0	0	0
MN	72	16	88	12	100
MS	33	7	40	6	46
MO	72	16	88	12	100
MT	16	8	24	4	28
NE	24	7	31	4	35
NV	25	8	33	4	37
NH	22	8	30	4	34
NJ	107	20	127	18	145
NM	26	12	38	4	42
NY	232	49	281	39	320
NC	115	19	134	19	153
ND	13	8	21	4	25
OH	141	20	161	24	185
OK	38	9	47	6	53
OR	52	13	65	9	74
PA	158	30	188	26	214
PR	55	8	63	9	72
RI	21	11	32	4	36
SC	45	9	54	8	62
SD	15	8	23	4	27
TN	68	17	85	11	96
TX	193	35	228	32	260
UT	23	6	29	4	33
VT	15	8	23	4	27
Virgin I.	3	6	12	1	13
VA	83	18	101	14	115
WA	78	19	97	13	110
WV	28	11	39	5	44
WI	74	18	92	12	104
WY	12	6	18	4	22
Un-assign	0	4	4	0	4
TOTAL	3253	796	4070	562	4632

2008 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION
DELEGATE / ALTERNATE ALLOCATION

(As adopted by the Democratic National Committee at its meeting February 1-3, 2007.)

Basic Delegate FAQ

Who can be a delegate?

It is open to all voters who wish to participate as Democrats, including new voters and non-affiliated voters who wish to register or enroll. The times, dates, places and rules for the conduct of delegate selection meetings will be publicized, bilingually where necessary.

How much does it cost?

There is no mandatory cost or fee required to become a delegate.

What are the types of delegates? How are they selected?

Pledged delegates differ from unpledged delegates in that they must openly commit to a candidate before the vote and are subject to review by that candidate. Unpledged delegates are sometimes referred to as "superdelegates."

District-level delegates - These make up roughly half of delegates, and must file a statement of candidacy designating the presidential or uncommitted preference and a signed pledge of support for the presidential candidate the person favors, if any, with the state party by a date the state party specifies. They must run for election in the district they are registered to vote, and are subject to review by the candidate they support.

At-large delegates - Must also file a statement of candidacy designating the presidential or uncommitted preference and a signed pledge of support for the presidential candidate the person favors, if any, with the state party by a date the state party specifies. The state party determines how these delegates are selected, but they are often selected by the district-level delegates.

Party Leaders and Elected Official (PLEO) delegates - DNC Members, Democratic House and Senate members, Democratic governors, and former Democratic Party leaders are automatically confirmed to the state parties. In addition, these positions are considered according to the following priority: big city mayors and state-wide elected officials, state legislative leaders, state legislators, and other state, county and local elected officials and party leaders. These delegates can be chosen by a state convention, the State Party Committee, or by a committee consisting of a quorum of district-level delegates. There are both pledged and unpledged PLEO delegates.

Add-on delegates - May be selected by either the same selecting body that selects the state's PLEO delegates or by the same selecting body which will select the state's "at-large" delegates. They can be selected whether or not they previously filed a statement of candidacy for a delegate position or submitted a pledge of support for a presidential candidate. There are both pledged and unpledged add-on delegates.

What about alternate delegates?

Alternate delegates are selected by primary, convention, or committee processes. State parties provide for the conditions under which alternates may "replace" a delegate.

How many delegates does my state get?

The number of delegates varies by state, and the divison by types changes reguarly as the strucutre of the Democratic Party in your state changes (people move, retire, leave jobs, become elected, etc.).

DNC Elects Standing Committee Leadership For 2008 Democratic National Convention

DNC ELECTS STANDING COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP FOR 2008 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION

Appointments Reflect Strength, Diversity and Energy of Democratic Party
DENVER - The Executive Committee of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) unanimously elected DNC Chairman Howard Dean's nominations for the Chairs of the 2008 Democratic National Convention Standing Committees that are responsible for reviewing Convention business and formulating recommendations for consideration by Convention delegates. The Executive Committee's vote took place during the panel's recent meeting in Denver, site of the four-day Convention in August.

"The record turnout and enthusiasm we've seen for our Democratic candidates is a clear sign that Americans trust Democrats to bring much needed change to our country," said Governor Dean. "These outstanding leaders reflect the great strength, diversity and energy of the Democratic Party, and I'm confident their efforts will ensure our Convention in Denver is reflective of our shared values and our nominee's vision for America."

The elections included the Chairs and 25 Party Leader and Elected Official (PLEO) members of the three Convention Standing Committees: Credentials, Platform and Rules. Each committee has a total of 186 members. An additional 161 members elected by each of the states' and territories' Convention delegations will join Governor Dean's appointments to the committees later this spring.

Credentials Committee
Elected to chair the Credentials Committee are Alexis Herman, James Roosevelt, Jr. and Eliseo Roques-Arroyo. Alexis Herman served as U.S. Secretary of Labor from 1997 to 2001. She served as DNC Chief of Staff for Chairman Ron Brown and later was named CEO of the 1992 Democratic National Convention. Since 2005, she has served as a Co-Chair of the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee and also served as a Co-Chair of the Commission on Presidential Nomination Timing and Scheduling. James Roosevelt, Jr. is President and CEO of Tufts Health Plan, a Massachusetts based Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and was formerly Associate Commissioner for Retirement Policy of the Social Security Administration in the Clinton Administration. He is the chief legal counsel for the Massachusetts Democratic Party and Co-Chair of the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee. Eliseo Roques-Arroyo, a native of Puerto Rico, served as Executive Assistant to Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Senate Minority Leader Miguel Hernandez-Agosto and to Puerto Rico Delegate to Congress Antonio J. Colorado. He is a former Executive Director of the Democratic Party of Puerto Rico and presently a member of the DNC.

The Credentials Committee is charged with coordinating issues around the selection of delegates and alternates to the Convention and will likely meet in the summer. The committee will issue a report that is the first official item of business at the Convention.

Platform Committee
Elected to chair the Platform Committee are Patricia Madrid, Judith McHale and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick. Patricia Madrid served two terms as the Attorney General of New Mexico, the state's first woman Attorney General and the nation's first Latina in that position. She also served as the Chairperson of the Western Conference of Attorneys General, which focuses on energy, environment and Indian gaming issues. Madrid was first elected to public office in 1978 as the state's first female district court judge. Judith McHale is the former President and CEO of Discovery Communications, Inc.  At Discovery, she created a work-life initiative, including generous parental leave and flexible work options for employees, and established a fund that delivered free educational programming to thousands of students around the world. She spearheaded acquisitions of TLC and the Travel Channel and also was a prime force behind the partnership in the late nineties that led to the launch of BBC America. Governor Deval Patrick, elected in 2006 as the state's first African American Governor, is the first member of his family to attend college, graduating from Harvard and Harvard Law School. Named as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights by President Bill Clinton, he has also served on numerous charitable and corporate boards, as well as the Federal Election Reform Commission under Presidents Carter and Ford.

The Platform Committee is responsible for drafting and recommending a proposed National Platform for approval at the Convention. After conducting hearings and forums to collect testimony on issues and policies to potentially include in the platform, the committee is likely to meet sometime in July.

Rules Committee
Elected to chair the Rules Committee are Sunita Leeds, Mary Rose Oakar and David Walters. Sunita Leeds, a software developer by training, is deeply involved with progressive non-profit causes focused on education, breaking the cycle of poverty and women's issues. As Chair of the DNC Indo-American Leadership Council Advisory Board, she coordinates a network of Indian-American activists, community leaders, elected officials and VIPs to support the fundraising and outreach work of the Council. Mary Rose Oakar is President of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, the largest Arab-American grassroots civil rights organization in the country. From 1977 to 1993, she represented western Cleveland in the U.S. House of Representatives, where she worked on several pieces of legislation related to peace and justice in the Middle East and for those of Middle East ancestry. Oakar served as secretary of the House Democratic Caucus. David Walters is president of Walters Power International, which specializes in electrical generation equipment. From 1990 to 1994, he served as governor of Oklahoma, where he made education a top priority - increasing education funding by 30 percent and investing heavily in construction and renovation at state colleges.

The Rules Committee is responsible for proposing the Permanent Rules for the Convention, adopting the proposed Convention agenda and making recommendations for permanent Convention officers - all addressed as the second official item of business at the Convention. The committee will meet sometime in August, prior to the Convention.

Planning for 2008 Democratic National Convention on Pace or Ahead of Schedule on All Fronts

PLANNING FOR 2008 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION ON PACE OR AHEAD OF SCHEDULE ON ALL FRONTS
Democratic National Convention Committee Reflects on Progress, Accomplishments on One-Year Anniversary of Denver's Selection as Host City

DENVER - As Denver marks the one-year anniversary since the city was selected to host the 2008 Democratic National Convention, the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) announced that planning for the four-day event is on pace or ahead of schedule across the board.

"It's remarkable how time flies," said Leah D. Daughtry, CEO of the DNCC. "And with just eight months to go, we have not a moment to waste. But we have certainly made the most of every hour of every day during this last year. From assigning hotel rooms to mapping our transportation system to engaging the community in our planning, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure we are on pace or even ahead of schedule on all fronts. All of this progress would not have been possible without the steadfast support from our partners here in Colorado - in particular, Governor Ritter, Senator Salazar, Representative DeGette and Mayor Hickenlooper, the Mile High City's best ambassadors."

Highlights of progress made to date include:

Putting Down Stakes
• The DNCC opened its Denver headquarters in July, earlier than any previous Convention, highlighting the eco-friendly elements of the office at Civic Center Plaza.
• DNCC staff counted down to the first public display of the organization's logo, which was projected in lights on the exterior of the Pepsi Center. The logo features a majestic mountain skyline and star-filled horizon characteristic of Denver and the entire Rocky Mountain region.
• In less than six months, the DNCC grew from 10 to nearly 50 full-time staffers, with more than half of the team coming from the Rocky Mountain region.

Naming DNCC Leadership
• Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Howard Dean announced Daughtry as DNCC CEO and named the DNCC's senior management team in April 2007 - well before any Convention team has ever come together. Emmy Award winning producer Ricky Kirshner and long-time Democratic Party strategist Mark Squier were named as Executive Producers for the Convention program.
• Governor Dean announced his intention to nominate Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi as Permanent Convention Chair and Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, Texas State Senator Leticia Van de Putte and Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin as Permanent Convention Co-Chairs - a team exemplifying the new kind of leadership the Democratic Party is bringing to the country at all levels.

Engaging the Community
• The DNCC has hosted four in a series of 10 community forums in Denver and throughout the Rocky Mountain West. Daughtry was joined by Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, Jr. for the first forum in Denver and by Colorado Governor Bill Ritter in Pueblo, while Colorado House Majority Leader Alice Madden joined the DNCC for an event in Boulder. On Wednesday, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid met Daughtry in Las Vegas for the first town hall forum outside of Colorado.
• In an effort to give back to the community hosting the 2008 Convention, staff is participating in a series of "DNCC Service Days" focused on three areas of importance to the Denver-area community: youth, environmental projects and the combined issues of homelessness and hunger. To date, "DNCC Service Days" projects have included preparing and serving a special holiday breakfast with Colorado's First Lady Jeannie Ritter for homeless and runaway youth at Urban Peak; sorting canned goods with Atlanta Mayor and Convention Co-Chair Shirley Franklin at The Crossing, a Denver Rescue Mission facility; working with a Montessori school in Five Points on an indoor activity with children and a playground area clean-up; facilitating a soccer skills camp with local middle school students and Colorado Rapids players; and spreading mulch around trees in City Park as part of a project focused on environmentalism. Yesterday, Governor Dean joined the Convention staff and students from Denver's Manual High School for a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day crafts project and a renovation effort in a school meeting room.
• The DNCC deposited $2 million in the local, minority-owned Native American Bank, continuing the DNCC's tradition of depositing funds in minority and woman-owned banks in the Convention host city.
• In August, Governor Dean and Daughtry, joined by Governor Ritter and Mayor Hickenlooper, welcomed the Denver community to the Pepsi Center grounds to celebrate the one-year out mark for the 2008 Convention. DNCC videographers were on hand to record thoughts from attendees on what the Convention means to them.
• The DNCC is using citizen photo journalism as a means to bring more people into the 2008 Convention experience and help Convention visitors see the West through local eyes. As part of this effort, the DNCC is collecting photos of people and places that represent the spirit of the Rocky Mountain West - photos are featured on www.DemConvention.com and will be showcased during Convention week in Denver.

Setting the Operational Wheels in Motion
• For the first time ever, the DNCC is putting the entire state delegation housing selection, assignment and booking process online - a step that will save more than 50,000 sheets of paper in delegate mailings. The DNCC has successfully contracted with more than 100 Denver area hotels for Convention week.
• Delegations were assigned to 27 hotels in one of three clusters - Downtown, Stapleton and the Denver Tech Center - all within 20 minutes of the Pepsi Center with the majority of delegates having the option of walking or taking public transportation to the Pepsi Center.
• The DNCC website first went live in April 2007 - almost a year ahead of the 2004 cycle. Since then, the DNCC has launched a blog and established a variety of DemConvention social networking groups on sites like Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and Flickr.
• Some 450 members of the international, national, local and online media, including bloggers, attended the Fall Media Walk-through - the first official opportunity for media to become acquainted with the Convention site and begin making coverage plans. Governor Dean addressed the gathering and spoke to the importance of the upcoming election and the Convention in Denver.
• The DNCC has hosted more than 15 visits to Denver for groups and organizations from across the country representing many of the 35,000 visitors that will visit in August.
• Solidifying one means of Convention transportation, the DNCC announced that United will serve as the Official Airline Provider for the 2008 Convention.
• In a Convention first, the DNCC appointed a Director of Greening to lead ongoing efforts to make 2008 the most sustainably-produced political Convention in American history.
• Two long-time veteran members of the Denver Police Department will head security for the DNCC and coordinate security planning with Secret Service and local law enforcement.
• In another Convention first, General Motors will provide an entire fleet of vehicles using the highest fuel efficiencies and technologies, including flex fuel and hybrid vehicles as the DNCC's Official Vehicle Provider.
• Nearly eight months ahead of the 2004 cycle, the DNCC named its Official Telecommunications Provider. The Denver-based telecommunications company Qwest will provide voice and data lines, including high-speed Internet, at the Pepsi Center for the DNCC, delegates and members of the media.

The Democratic National Convention, held from August 25-28, 2008, is expected to pump an estimated $160 million into the Denver area's economy and draw approximately 35,000 visitors to the region.

DNCC Names General Motors As Official Vehicle Provider For 2008 Democratic National Convention

DNCC NAMES GENERAL MOTORS AS OFFICIAL VEHICLE PROVIDER FOR 2008 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION
In Convention First, Entire Fleet of Vehicles to Use Highest Fuel Efficiencies and Technologies, Including Flex Fuel and Hybrid Vehicles

DENVER - The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) today named General Motors Corporation (GM) as the official vehicle provider for the 2008 Democratic National Convention, to be held August 25-28 in Denver. In keeping with the DNCC's commitment to making this the most sustainably-produced political Convention in history, the DNCC will be working closely with GM to select a fleet of vehicles designed to maximize fuel efficiencies and take advantage of new flex fuel and hybrid vehicle technologies.

"As the country's largest manufacturer, GM has a long history with the American people and with the Democratic National Convention," said Leah D. Daughtry, CEO of the DNCC. "We're proud to welcome them back to the team for 2008. GM has an established track record that demonstrates the company's commitment to supporting technological innovation and improving the fuel economy of all GM vehicles. GM's leadership in this area will play a critical role in our event - helping us make this the 'greenest' political Convention our country has ever seen, while providing our guests with yet another convenient option for getting around Denver."

As the Convention's official vehicle provider, GM will provide the DNCC with a mix of vehicles offering high fuel efficiency, biofuel capabilities and hybrid technology. According to GM, when measured against other automakers, GM offers more vehicles that achieve 30 mpg on the highway, more flex fuel vehicles that can run on E85 and groundbreaking technology such as GM's two-mode hybrid system found in its full-size light trucks. GM alone has produced more than 2.5 million E-85 capable vehicles to date--more than any other automaker. The company's flex fuel vehicles, using 85 percent ethanol fuel derived from corn, represent a move toward easing the country's dependence on foreign oil, helping to build the domestic infrastructure needed for new energy technologies and supporting America's farmers.

GM is also releasing an average of one new hybrid model every three months for the next two years, including the Saturn Vue, the Aura Green Line and the Chevrolet Malibu - just several of the models of fuel efficient vehicles GM will be providing to the DNCC. This year, GM introduced the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon two-mode hybrid - both models included in the DNCC fleet - that get a 50 percent improvement in city mileage over gas versions.

GM employs more than 130,000 people in the United States at its more than 75 plants and facilities throughout the country.

"The Democratic National Convention provides an important showcase for GM's technological innovation and our substantial contribution to America's economy and manufacturing competitiveness," said Ken Cole GM vice president for global public policy and government relations.

DNCC officials and staff will use a select number of vehicles for events and other Convention business during the coming months. The full fleet will be used during Convention week as part of the DNCC's official transportation and shuttle system for delegates, members of the Democratic family and other guests. The DNCC's transportation team estimates needing 3,000 volunteers, including 500 local drivers, for the four-day event.

GM has been selected as the official vehicle provider for every Democratic National Convention since 1980.

The 2008 Democratic National Convention is expected to pump an estimated $160 million into the Denver area's economy and draw approximately 35,000 visitors to the region.

DNCC Names Executive Producers For 2008 Democratic National Convention In Denver

DNCC NAMES EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS FOR 2008 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION IN DENVER
Emmy Award Winning Producer Ricky Kirshner, Long-Time Party Strategist Mark Squier to Oversee Production of Convention Program

DENVER - The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) today announced that Emmy Award winning producer Ricky Kirshner and long-time Democratic Party strategist Mark Squier will serve as Executive Producers for the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver.  Together, Kirshner and Squier will craft and implement a program that supports the DNCC's commitment to bring down the Pepsi Center walls and make this Convention as inclusive, accessible and engaging as possible using new technology and other creative means. As Executive Producers, the pair will be responsible for the overall look and execution of the Convention program including the design, staging, lighting, audio and entertainment.

"Come August 2008, the world's spotlight will shine on Denver, the Rocky Mountain West and the Democratic Party," said Leah D. Daughtry, CEO of the DNCC. "No one can make that light shine brighter than Ricky and Mark. Pairing Ricky's unparalleled production experience with Mark's strategic political insight will make an unbeatable team. I am confident they will put on the most spectacular show in Convention history as the world watches us nominate the next President of the United States."

Ricky Kirshner, an Emmy Award winner and one of the industry's leading production executives, has produced every Democratic National Convention since 1996. During the last 20 years, Kirshner has produced countless television specials, stadium spectaculars, political events and corporate gatherings.

"I am delighted to once again be a part of this historic event," said Kirshner, who founded and runs RK Productions. "Now, it's our job to make sure the millions of people watching from home and inside the Pepsi Center are informed, entertained and inspired by this four-day celebration."

After producing four NFL Opening Kick-Off shows, Kirshner was selected as an Executive Producer of the Emmy-nominated 2007 Super Bowl Half Time Show starring Prince - the most watched television program in the world.  This year, he won an Emmy, his third, for the 2006 broadcast of the 60th Annual Tony Awards. His production credits also include the Boston Pops Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular for CBS, the Vibe Awards for UPN, the Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rose Parade on CBS and the GQ Men of the Year Awards for NBC.

"I am very much looking forward to creating a Convention program that helps communicate the voice and vision of our Party and our nominee," said Squier. "Our ultimate goal here is to put on a show that inspires the nation and builds just the right starting block for our nominee to begin the home-stretch sprint to the election."

Held from August 25-28, 2008, the Convention is expected to pump an estimated $160 million into the Denver area's economy and draw approximately 35,000 visitors, including 15,000 members of the media, to the region.