dnc blog

DNCC Launches "Convention Captains" Program to Involve Coloradans across the State

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

The DNCC launched a “Convention Captains” program today, inviting community activists statewide to lead an outreach effort to engage more people than ever before in the 2008 Democratic National Convention experience. Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, Jr. and Kansas Governor and Convention Co-Chair Kathleen Sebelius joined DNCC CEO Leah Daughtry for a press conference announcing the program. Watch the video below for highlights.

Each Convention Captain will be issued a “playbook” arming them to serve as a local ambassador for the four-day event and providing them with helpful tips for planning and hosting a successful watch party, community service activity and other events to engage their community in the Convention.

To date, fifteen leaders have been selected for the program. During the coming weeks, Captains will continue to be identified to represent each of the 64 counties in Colorado. Click here for more details on the program and a list of the Convention Captains.

¿Habla Español? / Speak Spanish?

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

If you’re one of the millions of people looking forward to watching Barack Obama accept his Party’s nomination and officially start down the road to the White House, but are also used to getting your news in Spanish, not to worry. Today, the DNCC announced that the 2008 Democratic National Convention will be simulcast live, gavel-to-gavel in Spanish on DemConvention.com – a first for a national political convention.

It’s all part of our effort to make this year’s Convention as inclusive and accessible as possible. You can see all the action here at DemConvention.com – from your own home, in your own language.

“With Spanish as the primary language of approximately 35 million Americans – not to mention the more than 300 million Spanish-speakers outside the United States – offering bilingual coverage of the Convention makes more people feel welcome under the Democratic Party’s ‘big tent’,” said Texas State Senator and Convention Co-Chair Leticia Van de Putte. “As a Texan and a Latina, I’m proud to belong to a party that embraces the Hispanic community.”

Comcast Corporation is making the bilingual coverage possible and has also been named the Convention’s Official Cable Television and Video-On-Demand (VOD) provider. In that role, Comcast will place highlights, including key speeches and Spanish-language content, on its national VOD platform. So even if you’re unable to watch the live program, Comcast Digital customers can see Spanish-language highlights from each night of the Convention.

DemConvention.com also has more Spanish-language content than any previous Convention, so visit here often to stay up-to-date on the latest Convention news.

We’ve also credentialed a record number of bloggers for the Convention, to ensure that communities across the country are connected to the Convention through the eyes and ears of a growing, diverse group of online voices. We'd like to introduce you here to just some of bloggers who speak daily to the Hispanic community and will be sharing their perspectives from Denver come August.

Si Ud. es uno de los millones de personas que esperan con ansia ver a Barack Obama aceptar la nominación de su partido y oficialmente empezar en camino a la Casa Blanca, y también está acostumbrado recibir sus noticias en español, no se preocupe. El Comité de la Convención Nacional Demócrata (DNCC por sus siglas en ingles) anunció hoy que por primera vez en la historia de las convenciones políticas, la Convención Nacional Demócrata será transmitida simultáneamente en español.

Es parte de nuestro compromiso de convertir la Convención Nacional Demócrata 2008 en la convención más accesible y tecnológicamente avanzada. Se puede ver toda la acción aquí en DemConvention.com – desde su propio hogar, en su propio idioma.

“El español es el primer idioma de aproximadamente 35 millones de estadounidenses – sin mencionar los más de 300 millones de personas que hablan español fuera de los Estados Unidos. Al proporcionar cobertura bilingüe de la Convención, más personas se sentirán bien recibidas e integradas a la gran carpa del Partido Demócrata”, dijo la Senadora Estatal de Texas y Co-Presidente de la Convención Leticia Van de Putte. “Como tejana y como Latina, estoy orgullosa de pertenecer a un partido que es incluyente de la comunidad Hispana”.

La empresa Comcast producirá la extensa cobertura en español y también será el Proveedor Oficial de Televisión por Cable y Video-On-Demand durante la Convención. En este papel, Comcast hará disponible una amplia gama de contenido de la Convención, en español, por medio de su servicio de Video Por Pedido o Video-On-Demand (VOD). Aunque no pueda ver el programa en vivo, clientes de Comcast Digital pueden ver los mejores momentos de cada noche de la Convención.

DemConvention.com tiene más contenido en español que en Convenciones previas. Visítenos aquí para recibir toda la información más reciente acerca de la Convención.

También hemos acreditado un número record de bloggers para asegurar que las comunidades a lo largo del país estén informadas de los acontecimientos de la Convención mediante los ojos y oídos del número creciente de diversos grupos de entidades en línea. Aquí encontrará varios bloggers que llevarán sus perspectivas a la comunidad hispana desde Denver en agosto.

Volunteering for one of our greatest volunteers

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

We’re happy to say that the plot of land we stood on months ago in Golden, Colo. has now been transformed into a new home for disabled Iraq veteran SSG Travis Strong and his family. DNCC staff joined local credit unions, the Colorado Building Trades Council and the National Journal Group in the Homes for our Troops Build Brigade this weekend -- a truly remarkable project. With the help of hundreds of volunteers, what started on Friday as a concrete building base became a fully-built weather-proof house by Sunday. Also visiting the site and Strong family over the weekend were DNCC CEO Leah D. Daughtry, Lieutenant Governor Barbara O’Brien, Congressman and Senatorial candidate Mark Udall and Congressman Ed Perlmutter. Take a look at this video to see how such an amazing project came together and why it matters so much.

A High School Student with an Idea: Offset Carbon Emissions for All

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Taylor Bates, a recent high school graduate from Williston, Vermont, knew the competition to be a delegate to the Democratic National Convention would be tough. With nearly 200 people competing for 23 delegate and four alternate spots in the Vermont delegation, Taylor had to be creative with his platform.

That’s when the idea came: He could campaign on the platform to offset carbon emissions for every Vermont delegate, as part of the DNCC’s “Green Delegate Challenge.”

It was a tough sell at first. Vermont Democrats were skeptical: How could an 18-year old raise more than $200 to offset the carbon emissions for all of the 27 delegates and alternates? With a little help from his skills as a champion in extemporaneous speaking, Bates managed to convince his fellow state Dems to elect him to be an Obama at-large delegate – the youngest member of the Vermont delegation.

Thanks to Bates’ determination, Vermont also became the second state in the U.S. to offset the carbon emissions created from the full delegation’s travel to the Convention.

So, how will he raise the money?

“I want to have a community auction for friends and family with Democrat and Convention memorabilia and maybe even an autograph or two from a famous party leader,” said Bates. “Senator Obama’s signature sure would be nice.”

A Message for our Nation's Youth: "Get in the Way"

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

We're often asked what's planned for young people around our Convention in Denver. From the Party's Youth Council meetings at the Colorado Convention Center to the College Democrats of America Convention in Denver the weekend before our opening gavel to opportunities for our Write to Lead youth essay contest winners, we have a lot in store for young people from Denver and across the country.

But in a twist, one enthusiastic 16-year-old spoke for his peers and asked DNCC CEO Leah Daughtry at a recent community forum: "what can we do for you?" Her response: Get in the way. Change, after all, doesn't happen on the sidelines. Watch the video below for the full exchange.

Rocky Mountain News: "Bringing down the walls"

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Don't miss this article in today's Rocky Mountain News:

Bringing down the walls
New Web technology to provide gavel-to-gavel coverage
By Jeff Smith, Rocky Mountain News
The Democratic National Convention Committee is preparing for a crush of traffic on its Web site in August.
And that's what the committee wants, with plans to offer gavel-to-gavel coverage, including live speeches, caucus meetings, video highlights and archived material that can be accessed on demand.
"The real goal online is to bring down the walls of the Pepsi Center so as many people as possible can experience what's inside," said Aaron Myers, the DNCC's director of online communications.
Microsoft and Broomfield- based Level 3 Communications, which operates an international fiber-optic network, are the official Web-streaming providers...

"The woman behind Democrats' 'values'"

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Check out this feature on DNCC CEO Leah D. Daughtry from politico.com:

‘Everybody’s got values,” said Leah Daughtry.

That includes Democrats as well as Republicans, according to Daughtry, who, on the phone from Denver, speaks in the smooth alto and full sentences of a practiced orator.

The poli-sci-major-turned-Pentecostal-preacher describes herself as “a pastor, a preacher, a person of faith.” She doesn’t mention that she’s a political powerhouse who has made the V-word her party’s new mantra — first as chief of staff for the Democratic National Committee and now as CEO of the Democratic convention in August.

In 2005, Daughtry created the Faith in Action Initiative to “ensure that there is ongoing, authentic outreach to communities of faith,” she said. The seven-member group meets regularly to map out the left’s new strategy on religion, which doesn’t involve ignoring it. The New York Times called her “the quiet architect.”

Click here to read the full story

NO CREDENTIALS REQUIRED: Forum Highlights Convention Opportunities for Denver Community, Attendees from Across the Country

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

UPDATE: Check out this coverage of yesterday's forum!

Tours to give locals a peek at Pepsi Center before Dems arrive
The Denver Post
June 11, 2008
By Chuck Plunkett
SOURCE: http://www.denverpost.com/dnc/ci_9545032

DNC organizers outline public participation
KUSA-NBC 9 Denver
June 10, 2008
By Kyle Clark
SOURCE: http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=93464&catid=188

At a mid-day forum at the Tattered Cover bookstore in Denver’s LoDo District (Lower Downtown), Convention organizers unveiled a series of official events open to Denver-area residents and other attendees around Convention week. Click here to see video announcements on these exciting events open to the public.

A second forum will be held tomorrow evening at Mile High Station. If you’d like to attend, please RSVP by email to rsvp@demconvention.com or call (720)-362-2008, as space is limited.

5:00 pm MT, WEDNESDAY, June 11, 2008
Mile High Station
2027 W. Lower Colfax Ave.
Denver, Colo.

The Denver forums conclude the series - "Convention Conversations: A Traveling Forum Sponsored by the DNCC" – which launched in September and has logged more than 3,500 miles and visited eight different cities throughout the Rocky Mountain West in recent months. The community forums are designed to provide residents throughout the region with opportunities for direct communication with top Convention organizers and a venue to ask questions, share ideas and find out how they can get involved in the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

"Convention Conversations": Back Where it All Began

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

After visiting eight cities in the Rocky Mountain West during the past ten months as part of our series of “Convention Conversations” community forums , we’re coming back to the place where it all began in September— our host city of Denver -- to close out the series. These back-to-back community forums on the afternoon of June 10th and the evening of June 11th will be an opportunity for Denver residents and business owners to ask questions directly to our Convention CEO Leah Daughtry and other members of our senior management team just under three months before the opening gavel.

For the first time, we will also provide an overview of several official Convention activities and events open to the Denver community during Convention week in August. Trust us, we’ve got something for everyone, and these forums are a great opportunity to see and learn firsthand how you can be a part of history!

Please join us:

11:30 a.m. MT, TUESDAY, June 10, 2008
Tattered Cover Book Store
1628 16th Street
Denver, Colo.
Click here for directions

5:00 pm MT, WEDNESDAY, June 11, 2008
Mile High Station
2027 W. Lower Colfax Ave.
Denver, Colo.
Click here for directions

For all those interested in attending, please RSVP in advance by emailing rsvp@demconvention.com or by calling (720)-362-2008. Space is limited at both events, so RSVP today!

Blogs Credentialed For The Convention

Thu, 29 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

A record number of blogs will receive credentials for the 2008 Democratic National Convention -- connecting audiences around the world with the sights and sounds of this historic event. Never before have blogs been included in such strong numbers and provided with resources that will enable them to be the eyes and ears of so many at the Convention.

Click here to read the press release.

The following blogs have been credentialed:

2008 Democratic Convention Watch	http://demconwatch.blogspot.com
43rdStateBlues.com	http://43rdstateblues.com
AFL-CIO NOW Blog	http://blog.aflcio.org
African American Political Pundit	http://aapoliticalpundit.blogspot.com
AMERICAblog.com	http://americablog.com
Asian American Action Fund Blog	http://aaa-fund.com
Badlands Blue	http://badlandsblue.com
BAGnewsNotes	http://BAGnewsNotes.com
Beliefnet	http://beliefnet.com
Bitch Ph.D.	http://bitchphd.blogspot.com
Blogger News Network	http://bloggernews.net
Blogging For Michigan	http://bloggingformichigan.com
BlogHer	http://blogher.com
Blue Hampshire	http://bluehampshire.com
Blue Indiana	http://blueindiana.net
Blue Jersey	http://bluejersey.com
Blue Mass. Group	http://bluemassgroup.com
BlueGrassRoots	http://bluegrassroots.org
BlueNC.com	http://bluenc.com
BlueOregon	http://blueoregon.com
Buckeye State Blog	http://buckeyestateblog.com
Burnt Orange Report	http://BurntOrangeReport.com
Calitics	http://Calitics.com
Campus Progress	http://campusprogress.org
Celtic Diva's Blue Oasis	http://divasblueoasis.blogspot.com
Change to Win	http://changetowin.org
The Colorado Independent	http://coloradoindependent.com
Cotton Mouth Blog	http://cottonmouthblog.blogspot.com
CracktheBell.com	http://crackthebell.com
Crooks and Liars	http://crooksandliars.com
culturekitchen	http://culturekitchen.com
Daily Kingfish	http://dailykingfish.com
Daily Kos	http://dailykos.com
Dallas South Blog	http://dallassouthblog.com
DCist.com	http://dcist.com
Democracy Arsenal	http://democracyarsenal.org
Democracy for New Mexico	http://DemocracyForNewMexico.com
Democratic Party of the U.S. Virgin Islands	http://groups.yahoo.com/group/democratvi
Democratic Underground	http://democraticunderground.com
Democrats Abroad Argentina	http://yanquimike.com.ar
DemoOkie	http://DemoOkie.com
Digby's Hullabaloo	http://digbysblog.blogspot.com
Disaboom.com	http://disaboom.com
Doc's Political Parlor	http://politicalparlor.net
DoubleSpeak	http://doublespeakshow.com
Eschaton	http://atrios.blogspot.com
EverydayCitizen.com	http://everydaycitizen.com
Fired Up!	http://firedupmissouri.com
Firedoglake	http://firedoglake.com
Florida Progressive Coalition	http://flaprogressives.org
Future Majority	http://futuremajority.com
Georgia Politics Unfiltered	http://georgiaunfiltered.blogspot.com
Green Mountain Daily	http://greenmountaindaily.com
Grist Magazine	http://grist.org/
Group News Blog	http://www.groupnewsblog.net
HispanicTips.com	http://hispanictips.com
HorsesAss.org	http://horsesass.org
HummingbirdMinds Blog	http://hummingbirdminds.blogspot.com
iLind.net	http://ilind.net
Indianz.com	http://indianz.com
Jack and Jill Politics	http://jackandjillpolitics.com
Jusiper	http://jusiper.blogspot.com
Keystone Politics	http://keystonepolitics.com
KnoxViews	http://knoxviews.com
Las Vegas Gleaner	http://lasvegasgleaner.com
Left In Alabama	http://leftinalabama.com
Left in the West	http://leftinthewest.com
Michigan Liberal	http://michiganliberal.com
Minnesota Independent	http://minnesotaindependent.com
MOMocrats	http://momocrats.typepad.com
My Left Nutmeg	http://myleftnutmeg.com
MyDD	http://mydd.com
New Nebraska Network	http://NewNebraska.net
NewsOne.com	http://newsone.com
No Rest for the Awake	http://minagahet.blogspot.com
NorthDecoder.com	http://northdecoder.com
Obsidian Wings	http://obsidianwings.blogs.com
Ohio Daily Blog	http://ohiodailyblog.com
OliverWillis.com	http://oliverwillis.com
Open Left	http://openleft.com
Pam's House Blend	http://pamshouseblend.com
Political Base	http://politicalbase.com
Political Wire	http://politicalwire.com
PoliticalLunch.com	http://PoliticalLunch.com
PolitickerNJ.com	http://politickernj.com
PoliticsOnline	http://politicsonline.com
Pop and Politics	http://popandpolitics.com
Prairie State Blue	http://PrairieStateBlue.com
RaceWire	http://racewire.org
Raising Kaine	http://raisingkaine.com
Raw Story	http://rawstory.com
Rhode Island's Future	http://rifuture.org
Room 8	http://r8ny.com
Rum, Romanism and Rebellion	http://rumromanismrebellion.net
RuralVotes	http://ruralvotes.com/thefield
Scholars & Rogues	http://scholarsandrogues.com
Seeing the Forest	http://seeingtheforest.com
Sepia Mutiny	http://sepiamutiny.com
SquareState.net	http://squarestate.net
Talking Points Memo	http://talkingpointsmemo.com
TalkLeft	http://talkleft.com
Taylor Marsh	http://taylormarsh.com
The Albany Project	http://thealbanyproject.com
The Center for Emerging Media	http://centerforemergingmedia.com
The Iowa Independent	http://iowaindependent.com
The Natchez Blog	http://natchezms.blogspot.com
The Seminal	http://theseminal.com
The UpTake	http://theuptake.org
The Utah Amicus	http://utahamicus.com
The Washington Independent	http://washingtonindependent.com
Think Youth	http://thinkyouth.org
Thought Theater	http://thoughttheater.com
TommyWonk	http://tommywonk.blogspot.com/
Tondee's Tavern	http://tondeestavern.com
Towleroad	http://towleroad.com
Turn Maine Blue	http://turnmaineblue.com
Under The Dome.com	http://underthedome.com
Uppity Wisconsin	http://uppitywis.org
USAmerica Vota '08	http://usamericavota08.blogspot.com
VivirLatino.com	http://vivirlatino.com
West Virginia Blue	http://wvablue.com
What About Our Daughters? Blog	http://whataboutourdaughters.com
Working Life	http://workinglife.org
Zennie's Zeitgeist	http://zennie2005.blogspot.com

Grand Junction or Bust

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

UPDATE

If you’re in the Grand Junction area and couldn’t make it out to the our “Convention Conversations” community forum on Wednesday, here’s a couple photos from the event and some great local press.

DNC team discusses GJ involvement
Grand Junction Free Press – May 29, 2008

DNCC Community Forum
KREX-CBS Grand Junction – May 28, 2008

Also, remember that if you’re on the Western Slope or any of the other great destinations throughout Colorado, there are plenty of ways that you can be a part of the Convention experience and attract Convention visitors out to see more of this beautiful state and region. You can find out more here.

We were treated today to a warm welcome in Grand Junction, where we held our eighth in a series of Convention Conversations community forums for residents of Mesa County.

State Rep. Bernie Buescher served as our gracious host at Mesa State College, making a strong case for Convention attendees to make their way "over to the good side of the mountain" during either the weekend before or after the Convention - or both! With some 200 lakes on the top of the Mesa and the red-rock Colorado National Monument, the natural beauty in and around Grand Junction is certainly a compelling draw. Short of that, he said he hoped at least a couple hundred cases of Palisade Peaches make their way to Denver for Convention week.

On the topic of Colorado businesses getting involved in the Convention, our CEO Leah Daughtry suggested that some of the well regarded wineries on the Western Slope explore partnership opportunities with catering companies serving the host of events in and around Denver during Convention week. As one attendee commented after the event, "We don't just sorta do wine here."

Unfortunately our staff was just here for a brief mid-day swing, so we'll have to take his word for it. Until next time.

Meet Jared Jolton

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Last week we announced the two Presidential winners of our “Write to Lead” essay contest, which encouraged Colorado students to voice their thoughts on leadership and the future of our country. We previously introduced Mari Tanabe, a junior at Manitou Springs High School who wrote the essay “Restless for Change.” Now we’d like to introduce our other Presidential Winner, Jared Jolton, an 8th grade student at Colorado Academy, who wrote the essay entitled “In Front of the Pack.” Watch the video below to see Jared accept his award and read a portion of his essay. We’re sure you’ll be just as inspired as we were. Enjoy!

Q&A With Mari Tanabe

Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

We recently sat down with one of our “Write to Lead ” Presidential Winners, Mari Tanabe, an 11th grade student from Manitou Springs High School in Manitou Springs, Colorado. Mari tells us below where she got the inspiration for her essay and what it’s like to be a winner with “presidential” stature.

Q: What went through your mind when you heard the news that you won the essay contest?

A: I was pretty shocked when I heard that I won the essay contest. I got a phone call right after school in the parking lot. Everything seemed a little unreal, and I didn’t realize what an amazing experience I was being presented with until after I hung up the phone.

Your essay is entitled, “Restless for Change,” how did you think of that topic?

My essay was inspired by my history and leadership classes. About every other day, someone brings in a current event. This is an article about anything related to American History or leadership, and we have discussed everything from the war in Iraq to the death penalty. When I hear about all the hardships in the world, it reminds me of how lucky I am. The issues we discuss also make me restless for change. I find it hard to sit still when I hear about the problems and the debates the world is experiencing. I almost always voice my opinion in these discussions, because I am ready to be heard. In the midst of the upcoming election, the nation is experiencing a great turning point. The issues can no longer be addressed the way they have been in the past. Our nation demands change to attend to the growing problems in the world. I know our future leaders will harness the people’s energy for change and use it to better the world.

What was your inspiration for entering the contest?

The essay started out as an extra credit project in my history and leadership classes. However, when I actually started writing the essay, I realized it was worth a lot more than a couple of points in history. I often fret over the problems from the past. I cringe when I read about events like the atomic bombs and the Holocaust in history. I am helpless to change what has happened in the past, but I have every power to change what happens in the future. I am on this earth, here and now, with the ability and voice to make a difference in the lives of others. A huge inspiration for my essay was the genocide conference I attended in Denver. One workshop I took was on the history of genocide. I have no power to stop the previous genocides that have already occurred, but I have the power to stop the current genocide in Darfur. This is the kind of change I am hoping for, and this is the change that inspired my essay. I am encouraged by the thought that every individual can do something to change the future for the better. Finally, my history and leadership teacher, Ms. O’Connor, was an inspiration for my essay. Her constant care and compassion for the world around her serves as an inspiration for the kind of person I want to be.

What is the thing you are you most excited to see or do when you’re at the Democratic National Convention?

I am most excited to be a part of such a big change at the Democratic National Convention. I feel like I will be a part of history. My dream at the Democratic National Convention would be to meet the candidate, but I am also looking forward to meeting all the state delegates and having the opportunity to hear about what they do and what they have in mind for the nation. I have never been to anything like this, so I am just excited for the experience.

What was it like to accept your award in front of all of your classmates—let alone an entire school assembly?

Most people will tell you that I am a pretty shy person. To accept the award in front of my whole school along with several video cameras was pretty scary. I expressed concern to my sister as I was sitting in the bleachers waiting for my name to be called that I was worried I might trip. Little things like that were running through my mind as I anxiously waited. It was certainly an exhilarating experience to have so many people cheering for me, but I also learned an important lesson: I don’t think I can ever become a celebrity or a movie star. One day of attention was plenty.

Do people stop you in the school hallway now that you’re such a celebrity at school?

I have received many nice compliments as I walk down the halls. Since Manitou is so small, news travels fast. Several teachers have jokingly asked for my autograph, and quite a few people told me that they saw me on the news. I am trying to keep my humility throughout the experience, but the momentary spotlight has been fun.

A Conversation with Governor Napolitano

Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

One of the great things about holding the 2008 Democratic National Convention in the Intermountain West is the opportunity it provides to showcase the growing success of Democrats throughout the region. We sat down for a chat with Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano about this summer’s Convention and the compelling story our Party has to tell of Democratic leadership in the West.

On the Airwaves

Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Earlier today, I had the honor of appearing on ‘Pastors and Ministries of the Week,’ a radio show on KLDC-AM 1220, one of Denver’s leading gospel radio stations. As a fifth generation pastor and new, but proud resident of Denver, I’m always happy to update local communities of faith on our planning and progress. I tune in online to KLDC-AM every now and then, so it was a treat to be in the studio today and see where it all happens. My friend, Leon Owens, hosted the show. We had a great time catching up and talking about some of the faith initiatives we’re working on for Convention week. For the first time ever, we will open the Convention with an interfaith gathering open to the public on Sunday, August 24 in Denver. We’ll announce speakers for the event and more details in the next few weeks, so stay tuned. In addition, we’re hard at work planning our first-ever ‘People of Faith’ caucus to meet regularly during Convention week and discuss issues of importance to faith communities around the country. We’re making great strides this year and I invite you all to keep watching – and listening – as we announce more.

Q&A With Kristi King

Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Kristi King was selected in May, 2008 to design the 2008 Democratic National Convention credentials. We recently had the chance to sit down with this local Colorado woman to ask a few questions about what it’s like to design such an historic item. Read her responses below.

How long have you lived in Denver?: I am a native of Colorado. I have lived in the Denver metro area since 1974.
When designing something of this magnitude, where do you draw inspiration from?: The most important initial inspiration comes from the client. I met with the DNCC a couple of times before I really had a grasp on the importance of the credentials. From a designer view point, we want the final product to be a knock out, but with a project of this magnitude and with this much historical importance, I had to take into account how to make all the elements work. After that, the inspiration was a piece of cake, Denver's 150th Anniversary, the 100 years since Denver hosted the Democratic National Convention and Denver today. I wanted the city of Denver past and present to be the main focus from the get-go.
You will be the brains behind the hottest must-have item at the Convention. How does it feel to know that so many people will be wearing your designs around their necks Convention week?: Well, I am a total fashionista. And if the credentials are the "must-have" limited edition DNC accessory, I'm really good with that.
How did you get your start as a graphic designer?: I attended art school here in Denver - Colorado Institute of Art with an Associates degree in fashion illustration. The fashion industry isn't exactly a wide open field here in Colorado. And I could not imagine living anywhere else... so I started working here at Denver's alternative newspaper: Westword then with a local publishing firm specializing in tourism publications: Weaver Publications. Then I just decided to go out on my own and that was over 15 years ago. No regrets. I have a dream job.
Do people in Denver ever stop you on the street now that you’re such a celebrity? Honestly, do family and friends treat you differently now that you’re holding the creative brain-power behind one of the most coveted items at the Convention?: Hmmm.... I don't think so. Not at all. I've actually had to explain to a lot of people what the credentials actually are. That's a funny question that would make my family & friends laugh.
Other than the Convention, what is the most fun and creative project you’ve designed something for?: Two answers tied for first: My Dia de los Muertos inspired wedding invitation and my annual Christmas cards that feature my BFF scotty dog Tiny Elvis. He's the personality behind the scenes.
We heard a rumor that your Mom cried out of happiness when she read the press release announcing your position as the credentials designers. True or false?: True, she's my biggest fan. But keep in mind she gets choked up when she watches PetSmart or Hallmark commercials.

Western Slope Welcomes "Convention Conversations" Series

Mon, 19 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Marking its eighth stop overall and first on Colorado’s Western Slope, the DNCC’s traveling community forum series will visit Grand Junction next Wednesday, May 28th at 11:30 am MT at Mesa State College. DNCC CEO Leah D. Daughtry and Colorado State Representative Bernie Buescher will provide local residents with the opportunity to ask questions, share ideas and find out how they can become involved in the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

The series - "Convention Conversations: A Traveling Forum Sponsored by the DNCC" - launched in September and has visited cities throughout Colorado and the Rocky Mountain West in recent months, with stops in Denver, Boulder, Pueblo, Lakewood and Colorado Springs, Colo.; as well as Las Vegas and Salt Lake City.

WHEN:
11:30 am, WEDNESDAY, May 28, 2008

WHERE:
Mesa State College
Campbell College Center – Liff Auditorium
1151 Elm Ave.
Grand Junction, Colo.

NOTE: Members of the public interested in attending the forum are asked to RSVP to rsvp@demconvention.com or (801) 328-1212, ext. 205, as space is limited.

100 Days and Ready!

Mon, 19 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

100 days before the gavel drops and the 2008 Democratic National Convention begins, we hit the 16th Street Mall in downtown Denver to talk to Coloradoans about what it will take to put on this summer's Convention. Check out the video and see how with only a few months left until the Convention, we are READY to put on this great event.

Meet the State Blogger Corps

Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Over the last 24 hours, we have seen some great posts from bloggers selected to be part of the Democratic National Convention’s first ever State Blogger Corps. We have been particularly impressed with the response from bloggers in the Western region. Just a few of our favorites are listed below. And as part of the announcement, DNC Chairman Gov. Howard Dean gave an exclusive interview to Aaron Silverstein of SquareState.net, the blog selected to represent Colorado. To read Aaron’s complete interview, click here:

http://squarestate.net/showDiary.do;jsessionid=740605676EB47E5AE91CDCE0B7B77520?diaryId=5769

Gov. Dean also recorded videos to congratulate the state blogs – you can watch two of them here:
http://www.democracyfornewmexico.com/democracy_for_new_mexico/2008/05/dfnm-selected-a.html#more
http://hummingbirdminds.blogspot.com/2008/05/hummingbirdminds-chosen-as-wyo-blog.html

Announcing the State Blogger Corps

Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Months ago, we began the process of credentialing bloggers who cover state and local politics, as part of the DemConvention State Blogger Corps. More than 400 blogs applied for the program. And they’re incredible. Some blogs are the work of dedicated groups of activists, a few are full-time professional endeavors, and many others are the products of busy individuals blogging about local politics in their free time. Those selected to be part of our State Blogger Corps were announced today. And in every case, these bloggers have become experts on the political happenings in their states.

You’ll see a list below of the 55 blogs that will comprise the State Blogger Corps. They’ll be seated with their respective delegations at the Convention. These bloggers will have some of the best seats in the house and they’ll be the eyes and ears of local audiences online around the country. DNC Chairman Howard Dean recorded a message to introduce the program – so I’ll let him explain the rest.

Is one of your favorite blogs missing from the list? We had hundreds of great applicants and only a few spots. The Convention staff will work hard to be sure bloggers can cover the Convention from Denver or wherever they may be – with unprecedented access. And wait a few weeks. We’ll soon announce the Convention’s General Blogger Pool, an additional list of diverse blogs covering national politics, niche issues, and more state and local topics.

Congratulations to each blog selected for the State Blogger Corps. I’ll see you in Denver!

Press Release: DNC Chairman Governor Dean Announces Blogs Selected For 2008 'State Blogger Corps'

The DemConvention State Blogger Corps is listed below.

STATE - BLOG NAME - BLOG URL

ALASKA - Celtic Diva's Blue Oasis - http://divasblueoasis.blogspot.com

ALABAMA- Doc's Political Parlor - http://www.politicalparlor.net

ARKANSAS- Under The Dome.com - http://www.underthedome.com

ARIZONA - Ted Prezelski - Rum, Romanism and Rebellion - http://www.rumromanismrebellion.net

CALIFORNIA - Calitics- http://Calitics.com

COLORADO -SquareState.net - http://squarestate.net

CONNECTICUT -My Left Nutmeg - http://myleftnutmeg.com

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA- DCist.com - http://dcist.com

DELAWARE – TommyWonk - http://tommywonk.blogspot.com/

DEMOCRATS Abroad - Democrats Abroad Argentina - http://www.yanquimike.com.ar

FLORIDA - Florida Progressive Coalition - http://flaprogressives.org

GEORGIA- Tondee's Tavern - http://www.tondeestavern.com

GUAM - No Rest for the Awake - Minagahet Chamorro - http://minagahet.blogspot.com

HAWAII - iLind.net: Ian Lind Online - http://www.ilind.net

IOWA - The Iowa Independent - http://iowaindependent.com

IDAHO - 43rdStateBlues.com - http://www.43rdstateblues.com

ILLINOIS- Prairie State Blue - http://www.PrairieStateBlue.com

INDIANA- Blue Indiana - http://www.blueindiana.net

KANSAS - EverydayCitizen.com - http://everydaycitizen.com

KENTUCKY – BlueGrassRoots - http://www.bluegrassroots.org

LOUISIANA - Daily Kingfish - http://www.dailykingfish.com

MASSACHUSETTS - Blue Mass. Group - http://www.bluemassgroup.com

MARYLAND - The Center for Emerging Media - http://www.centerforemergingmedia.com

MAINE - Turn Maine Blue - http://www.turnmaineblue.com

MICHIGAN - Blogging For Michigan - http://bloggingformichigan.com

MINNESOTA - Minnesota Independent - http://minnesotaindependent.com

MISSISSIPPI - The Natchez Blog - http://natchezms.blogspot.com

MISSOURI - Fired Up! LLC - http://www.firedupmissouri.com

MONTANA - Left in the West - http://www.leftinthewest.com

NORTH CAROLINA - BlueNC.com - http://bluenc.com

NORTH DAKOTA - NorthDecoder.com - http://www.northdecoder.com

NEBRASKA - New Nebraska Network - http://www.NewNebraska.net

NEW HAMPSHIRE - Blue Hampshire - http://www.bluehampshire.com

NEW JERSEY - PolitickerNJ.com - http://www.politickernj.com

NEW MEXICO - Democracy for New Mexico - http://www.DemocracyForNewMexico.com

NEVADA - Las Vegas Gleaner - http://www.lasvegasgleaner.com

NEW YORK - Room 8 - http://www.r8ny.com

OHIO - Ohio Daily Blog - http://www.ohiodailyblog.com

OKLAHOMA - DemoOkie - http://www.DemoOkie.com

OREGON - BlueOregon (blog) - http://www.blueoregon.com

PENNSYLVANIA - Keystone Politics - http://www.keystonepolitics.com

PUERTO RICO - Jusiper - http://jusiper.blogspot.com

RHODE ISLAND - Rhode Island's Future - http://www.rifuture.org

SOUTH CAROLINA - CracktheBell.com - http://www.crackthebell.com

SOUTH DAKOTA - Badlands Blue - http://www.badlandsblue.com

TENNESSEE - KnoxViews/TennViews - http://www.knoxviews.com

TEXAS - Burnt Orange Report - http://www.BurntOrangeReport.com

UTAH - The Utah Amicus - http://utahamicus.com

VIRGINIA - Raising Kaine - http://www.raisingkaine.com

VIRGIN ISLANDS - Democratic Party of the US Virgin Islands - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/democratvi

VERMONT - Green Mountain Daily - http://greenmountaindaily.com

WASHINGTON - HorsesAss.org - http://www.horsesass.org

WISCONSIN - Uppity Wisconsin - http://www.uppitywis.org

WEST VIRGINIA - West Virginia Blue - http://www.wvablue.com

WYOMING - Hummingbirdminds blog - http://hummingbirdminds.blogspot.com

Special Donkey-gram Delivery

Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Since our hockey wager winnings arrived from the Republican Convention last week, we felt as though we needed to send a little something in return to our friends in the Twin Cities. Earlier today a donkey-gram showed up at the Republican National Convention headquarters to convey our gratitude in full measure, which the GOP captured in this web video:

While the Republicans gave you a taste of our singing donkey’s exceptional talents, here’s the rest of what he sang (to the tune of Yankee Doodle):

The hockey wager’s been and gone,
And as you know we won it,
We’ll make sure you don’t forget, with a D.N.C.C. sonnet,

We love Walleye, yes we do!
Sent from our contender,
How nice to have a sample taste of Victry’ in November.

When Conventions come to town,
We know we’ll both be frantic,
Luckily we’ll be well fed – best fish this side o’ the Atlantic.

We love Walleye, yes we do!
This we will remember,
How nice to have a sample taste of Victry’ in November.

And so the Wild put up a fight,
Their skaters drew a big buzz,
They change positions on the ice as fast as John McCain does.

We love Walleye, yes we do!
Deep-fried to an ember,
How nice to have a sample taste of Victry’ in November.

Now the Avs have also lost,
Beyond all comprehension,
At least their rink will soon be home to the very best convention.

We love Walleye, yes we do!
Not to be an offender…
But it’s nice to have a sample taste of Victry’ in November.

While the wager’s been fun, I think with this we can put it to rest.

Lights…Camera…Action!

Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Meet Ricky Kirshner and Mark Squier, the former a veteran of major entertainment productions – like Super Bowl half-time shows and the Rose Parade – and every Democratic Convention since 1996, the latter a Party adviser brought on to spearhead the strategic communications behind the program.

They made their debut on this blog last fall, but they’re back in today’s edition of the Rocky Mountain News.

Both are hard at work preparing an engaging, interactive four-day event that will put our nominee on the path to victory in November. For example, design plans for the stage and podium were finished in February, in anticipation of construction that will begin the week of July 7^th and convert the Pepsi Center from sports arena to Convention hall.

And while production plans are kept tightly under wraps, Kirshner and Squier say the Convention won’t be. They want the four-day event to be as interactive as possible. "We're looking for ways to bring down the walls," Kirshner said.

Walleye to the Rescue (Mission)

Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

UPDATE: Check out this video from the Denver Rescue Mission

Today we were happy to see our delivery of walleye arrive from the Republican National Convention folks. If you haven’t been following our friendly wager, the delicious Minnesota fish was our prize after the Colorado Avalanche defeated the Minnesota Wild in the NHL Western Conference Semi-Finals. Instead of enjoying the fish ourselves, we decided to donate the walleye to the Denver Rescue Mission, a set of local homeless shelters. DNCC staff member Marisa McAuliffe, who was featured on our blog last fall for her extensive volunteer work at the Mission, shuttled the frozen fish over to their Lawrence Street facility, which provides 200 beds and free meals for Denver’s homeless. We’re not sure when it will be cooked, but it’s sure to be a treat. This recipe caught our eye shortly after the Avalanche victory over the Wild, so it’s definitely our recommendation for the Mission.

Thanks to our friends in Minneapolis and to the Avs for winning!

Colorado Springs Residents, Businesses Look Forward to Democratic National Convention

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

UPDATE: Check out this video from our forum in Colorado Springs

At a community forum last night in Colorado Springs, local residents and business people turned out to hear from Convention organizers about the historic regional opportunities presented by Denver’s hosting of the Convention.

“Given the level of interest in this Convention, we’re expecting a larger turnout than previously anticipated. That means cities and towns beyond Denver have even more opportunities to benefit,” said DNCC CEO Leah Daughtry. “And since Labor Day weekend immediately follows the Convention, many Convention-goers will be looking to places like Colorado Springs to get some R&R.”

The event was the seventh in a series of ten community forums – “Convention Conversations: A Traveling Forum Sponsored by the DNCC” – which launched in Denver in September and has traveled to Pueblo, Boulder and Lakewood, Colorado; Las Vegas and Salt Lake City in recent months.

VIDEO: See coverage of the event from KOAA, the NBC affiliate in Colorado Springs.

Trees, Trees and more Trees for Denver’s Sunnyside UPDATE

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

UPDATE: Check out this video of our tree planting in Sunnyside!

Rounding out a week of activities around Earth Day, many of our staff will don T-shirts and old jeans and get their hands dirty Saturday morning at a tree planting in Northwest Denver’s Sunnyside neighborhood. The planting of 400 trees will increase the tree canopy in one of Denver’s most underserved and least shady neighborhoods.

Our participation in the project is part of “DNCC Service Days,” an effort to give back to the community that has been such a gracious host, and reflects our commitment to making this year’s Democratic Convention the most environmentally-sustainable event of its kind.

The project is part of the Mile High Million, Mayor John Hickenlooper’s initiative to plant more than 1 million trees in metro Denver over the next 19 years. In a bit of a warm–up exercise, some of my colleagues participated yesterday in another city-sponsored tree planting on Auraria Parkway, not far from the Pepsi Center, home of our 2008 Convention. You can check out our work – and perhaps catch a bit of shade – when you arrive here in August.

More from Earth Week at the DNCC:

Calling All Walleye Connoisseurs... Your Recipes, Please!

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

While we eagerly await that “special package” from our friends at the 2008 Republican National Convention (following our friendly wager and the recent triumph of the Colorado Avalanche over the Minnesota Wild in the NHL Western Conference Quarter-Finals), we just can't stop thinking about how to best prepare what's sure to be a wonderful meal. As we get ready to cook up the walleye, which will be coming our way any day now, we want your ideas too. The following dish sounds like a keeper. If you’re a walleye connoisseur, lend us a hand and post your recipe recommendation here!

Deep Fried Fish

In a large skillet, place about 1/2" of vegetable oil in skillet.
Turn flame to medium.
Pull skin off the fillets.
Cut fillets crossways into 3-4" chunks.

Take pieces and put into medium size bowl filled with water and 2 teaspoons of salt.
Soak for about 1/2 hour.

To make the breading you will need 1 cup of bisquick, 1cup of instant mashed potato flakes, and 1/2 cup of frying magic.
Pour these items into a one gallon ziploc bag and shake well.
(you can substitute Frying Magic with Italian bread crumbs)

In a small bowl, wisk 2 eggs with a splash of milk.
Take the walleye pieces and place in egg wash (make sure they are covered on both sides). Then place them into bag with the breading mixture.
Seal bag and shake until pieces are thouroughly covered.

Place fish pieces into skillet for about 2-3 minutes per side.

To check, take a spatula and cut into middle of fish. They should be white and flaky. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness and size of the pieces. Place the pieces on a plate covered with paper towels or napkins to absorb the excess oil . Salt and pepper to taste. (I like a little lemon juice squeezed on just before serving) Enjoy!

"Convention Conversations" Series Heads to Colorado Springs

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

After hitting the road and heading to Salt Lake City, Utah earlier this month, the DNCC’s traveling community forum series is back in Colorado. On Tuesday, April 29th at 5:30 pm MT at the Antlers Hilton in Colorado Springs, DNCC CEO Leah D. Daughtry and Colorado State Senator John Morse (invited) will provide local residents and business people with the opportunity to ask questions, share ideas and find out how they can take advantage of the historic regional opportunities presented by Denver’s hosting of the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

The series - "Convention Conversations: A Traveling Forum Sponsored by the DNCC" - launched in September and has traveled throughout Colorado and the Rocky Mountain West in recent months, with stops in Denver, Boulder, Pueblo and Lakewood, Colo.; Las Vegas and Salt Lake City.

UPDATE: Lieutenant Governor Barbara O'Brien will also join Daughtry at the forum.

WHEN:
5:30 p.m., TUESDAY, April 29, 2008

WHERE:
Antlers Hilton Colorado Springs
4 S. Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80903

NOTE: Members of the public interested in attending the forum are asked to RSVP to rsvp@demconvention.com or (801) 328-1212, ext. 205, as space is limited.

Wild About Walleye

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

In what could only be interpreted as foreshadowing of things to come, the Colorado Avalanche triumphed over the Minnesota Wild at the Pepsi Center Saturday night to win the Western Conference Quarter-Finals. Before the series began, we made a friendly wager with our counterparts at the Republican National Convention Committee in Minneapolis-St. Paul on the outcome of the series, offering up Colorado steak to their Minnesota walleye.

A bet is a bet, and we’ll be eagerly checking our mailroom in anticipation of the arrival of that walleye.

And while we’ve enjoyed the friendly competition with Wild fans over the last couple of weeks, we certainly hope to find them on our team when the spotlight returns to the Pepsi Center in August. We welcome Avs fans and Wild fans – and many others – to stand together as we put our Democratic nominee on the road to the White House in November.

A Win Worthy of a Must-See Video

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

We’ve made a friendly wager with our counterparts at the 2008 Republican National Convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul on the outcome of the NHL playoff series between the Colorado Avalanche and the Minnesota Wild. With tonight’s victory by the Avs, the series is now tied at 2-2 after back-to-back games at the Pepsi Center here in Denver.

So we took our camera across town - right into the heart of the action - to find out what Avs fans think of the wager and this summer’s Convention. Check out the video below for a great look at the local excitement - and some promising tips on cooking walleye.

"A Labor of Love" Begins in Golden, Colo.

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

In February we posted about the great Homes for our Troops project that we have undertaken with the Republican National Convention, the Credit Union National Association and the National Journal Group. In the months leading up to the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, staff in both Colorado and Minnesota will work to build a house in each Convention host city for severely wounded American troops.

We are now happy to say that we have come one step closer to providing a specially adapted home to Staff Sergeant (SSG) Travis Strong and his family here in Colorado. On a plot of land in the town of Golden, representatives of the partner organizations, including our own CEO, Leah Daughtry, broke ground with the Strong family during a late-winter Colorado storm yesterday morning. Despite the cold, there was tremendous excitement in the small tent filled with media, organization members and family supporters.

As part of our DNCC Service Days initiative, our Convention staff is now eager to get involved with the construction of the Strong family household. As Leah said at yesterday’s event, “We’re looking forward to hammering some nails, hanging some dry wall and laying some sod, as this will be a labor of love for a true American hero.”

Be sure to check back on the blog to find out about our progress with Homes for our Troops.

New Video from "Crossroads of the West"

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Last week, our Convention team headed west from Denver – to the “Crossroads of the West” otherwise known as Utah – for the sixth in our series of Convention Conversations forums in Salt Lake City. This week, we bring you the highlights in video. Enjoy!

Bring on the Walleye

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

A number of my colleagues are rubbing their sleepy eyes today after staying up late last night to see the end of the Colorado Avalanche’s overtime win against the Minnesota Wild at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. How could we sleep with so much on the line!?

But we’ll take the hint from the Rocky Mountain News and try to keep our bragging in check. This is a friendly competition after all. Congratulations to the Avs on their nail-biter of a win. If the first game of the series was any indication of things to come, we’ll soon be enjoying some fresh walleye from the lakes of Minnesota here in Denver.

"This isn't a competition, but..."

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

The DNCC launched its Green Delegate Challenge today -- a new initiative to encourage friendly competition among the states and offer special rewards for the delegation or delegations that demonstrate the highest level of commitment to offsetting their carbon footprint from attending the Convention in Denver.

And speaking of competition (or lack thereof), watch this video for more on our selection of carbon offset projects for this challenge. Through Native Energy, the DNCC is supporting the Wray School District Wind Turbine in the Democratic National Convention's home state of Colorado and the Focus the Nation Wind Turbine on a family farm in....well, you'll just have to watch and see....

Serving Up a Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity in Greeley

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

“Thank you. I haven’t had a meal that good in a long time.” That’s what Lieutenant Governor Barbara O’Brien told students in a culinary class at Greeley’s Northridge High School on Friday. O’Brien got a taste of the students’ unique talents while promoting student participation in “Write to Lead,” a youth essay contest organized by the Democratic National Convention Committee, Post-News Educational Services and Qwest Communications.

The up-and-coming chefs prepared and served a lunch worthy of five stars, while fellow students from a government class and the student council dined with the Lt. Governor and discussed the challenges and opportunities for leadership that Northridge provides them. O’Brien shared details of another opportunity – “Write to Lead” – and encouraged the students to submit their essays before the April 18^th deadline and not miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime history-making event taking place right in their own backyard.

Open to Colorado cmiddle and high school students, the contest offers a unique opportunity for Colorado youth to voice their thoughts on leadership and the future of our country and to engage in the 2008 Democratic National Convention experience. Two students will be named as Presidential Winners and receive credentials to attend the Democratic National Convention in Denver, while finalists will serve as ambassadors to state delegations across the country.

See more details on “Write to Lead”

Read Greeley Tribune article on the Lt. Governor’s visit to Northridge High School

A Different View of the Rockies

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

It was just the greeting we had come to hear: "Welcome to the Rocky Mountains - the new frontier for the Democratic Party," said Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker this morning from the stage at Memorial House, site of our sixth "Convention Conversations" forum. After DNCC CEO Leah Daughtry opened with an invitation for Salt Lake residents to participate in this historic Convention - through any number of avenues - Mayor Becker talked about the leadership that Democratic officials are offering at the federal, state and local levels across the region. He said he looked forward to the arrival of Democrats to Salt Lake's "sister city" of Denver and talked about the West's unique sense of place -- not felt in other parts of the country. After a series of thoughtful questions covering topics from the role of youth in the Convention to how we'll showcase leaders of the West and bring in others through technology to the best way to defeat "Senator 100 Years in Iraq," Mayor Becker presented Leah with a book on Salt Lake City and closed with some friendly words of city rivalry. "Be sure to remind your friends in Denver that once they're done there, they can come see a REAL mountain city." We'll do that, Mayor -- although no chance we're taking sides in this one. And thanks again for hosting us today!

UPDATE: Check out these articles about our visit to Salt Lake City!

The West is making its mark in the Democratic Party
The Salt Lake Tribune

Democratic Convention may showcase West
Desert Morning News

Presidential Candidates aim to Win the West
MyFox13 Utah

Helping Deliver the Goods with Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Number eight in the DNCC “Service Days” series brought Convention staff to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver’s administrative offices earlier today. In a warehouse with towers of boxes filled with donations from the Boys and Girls Clubs’ corporate partners, DNCC staff sorted and shelved the items in preparation for their distribution to children across the city. From backpacks to clothing to sporting equipment, volunteers organized the gifts in order to help make the process of moving everything from the warehouse to children’s hands as quick as possible. Additionally, volunteers broke down the boxes used to store the donations and packed a large truck full of cardboard to be recycled.

Boys and Girls Clubs are located throughout Denver, and for $2 per year, provide a fun and safe environment for kids when they need it most – after school and during the summer. Thanks to Kim and Burt at the Metro Denver administrative offices for all of their help with this great event.

DNCC Service Days are monthly projects that focus in one of three areas: youth, greening and the combined issues of homelessness and hunger. To see our previous posts on service events, click here.

Big Blogger Announcement

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

With media credential deadlines approaching, we made a major announcement today about access for state bloggers at the Democratic National Convention. Watch the video below and read our press release for full details.