2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

DNC Congratulates Twin Cities on Holding 2008 Republican National Convention

For Immediate Release
September 27, 2006

DNC Congratulates Twin Cities on Holding 2008 Republican National Convention

Washington, DC - The Democratic National Committee congratulates the Twin Cities on the announcement that it will host the 2008 Republican National Convention.

"We want to congratulate the Twin Cities. The DNC was thrilled to have three great American cities submit strong bids for the 2008 Democratic National Convention. We are looking forward to working with Denver and New York as we make our final decision. The Twin Cities is a great community and this announcement is good news for the cities," said Democratic National Committee Press Secretary Stacie Paxton.

Xcel Energy Center Focus Of 2008 DNC Bid

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman announced that Minneapolis-Saint Paul has focused its bid to host the 2008 Democratic National Convention. Major convention events would be held at the Saint Paul Xcel Energy Center and the Minneapolis Convention Center.

If Minnesota were to host the convention, the DNC has decided to use the Xcel Energy Center for the large evening convention events and would use the Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis Hilton Hotel, and Minneapolis downtown office spaces for the convention headquarters and grassroots organizing center of activity.

"It is clear that the Xcel Center is the best mass meeting venue for the convention's evening events," Mayor Rybak said. "Working together, I am confident that we can put on the most successful grassroots convention ever."

"By focusing our bid around these venues in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, we can create a real multi-venue, inter-city, grassroots convention that energizes Democrats like never before," said Marot Coleman.

Minneapolis-Saint Paul is one of three cities (along with Denver and New York) in the running for the Democratic convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is also in the running for the Republican National Convention.

Kerry-Edwards Minnesota Communications Director Stacie Paxton Named DNC Press Secretary

Stacie Paxton named Press Secretary for the Democratic National Committee. Stacie served as communications director for Kerry-Edwards Minnesota in 2004.

Eleven Cites Seek 2008 Democratic National Convention

Democratic National Committee Invites Eleven Cities To Submit Proposals To Host The 2008 Democratic National Convention

The Democratic National Committee today announced that eleven cities have expressed an interest in hosting the 2008 Democratic National Convention. These eleven cities, more than double the number that applied to host the 2004 Convention, will receive official Requests for Proposal (RFP). They include: Anaheim, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, New Orleans, New York, Orlando, Phoenix, and San Antonio.

The 2008 Democratic National Convention will be held from August 25-28.

"We're very pleased with the unprecedented interest in hosting the Democratic National Convention," said DNC Chairman Howard Dean. "We look forward to joining with Democrats around the country as we nominate the Party's candidate for president and the effective leadership and vision that Democrats are offering America."

The Democratic National Convention generates millions in economic benefits to a Host City. It was estimated that the 2004 Convention in Boston generated $156 million and the 2000 Convention in Los Angeles generated $147 million. [Boston Herald, 11/14/02; Orlando Sentinel, 1/17/06]

Site visits by the DNC's Technical Advisory Committee will occur in the summer of 2006.

DNC Announces Dates for 2008 Democratic Convention

DNC Announces Dates for 2008 Democratic Convention

Washington, DC - DNC Chairman Howard Dean today announced that the 2008 Democratic National Convention will be held Monday, August 25th through Thursday, August 28th. The late August convention date will allow the Democrats to host their convention after the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

“I’m pleased to announce that the 2008 Democratic National Convention will be held in late August 2008,” said DNC Chairman Howard Dean. “I look forward to joining with Democrats from across the country August 25-28th, as we gather to formally nominate our 2008 Presidential ticket.”

Democratic Party Unveils Redesigned Web Site

Democratic Party Unveils New Online Community - Democrats.org Redesigned. Washington, DC -- Today the DNC unveiled a remodeled Democrats.org Web site. The new site features tools and content aimed at building a grassroots community and enables Democrats to connect locally and nationally to spread the democratic message. During the 2004 campaign season, record numbers of Americans choose to get involved in the political process, the resources available on Democrats.org will provide a way for people to continue to be involved and engaged on an ongoing basis. Visitors to the Web site will be able to participate in online conversations; comment on the latest news, national, regional and local blogs; and through a new program -- Democracy Bonds.

"Democrats.org is now a one stop shop for information about the Democratic Party. This new Web site is the first phase of our long term commitment to keep people engaged and involved in the Democratic Party -- 365 days a year. Democratic activists will be able to discuss not only national politics, but local politics, candidates and issues." said Gov. Howard Dean, Chairman of the DNC.

Over the next few months, Democrats.org will add more tools and features -- including event listings of Democratic activities on the national, regional and state level and new event organizing tools.

Howard Dean Elected DNC Chairman

Howard Dean elected DNC Chairman.

"If you told me one year ago that I'd be standing here today, as your choice for Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, I wouldn't have believed you. And neither would have a lot of other people."