Dec 8, 2006 10:40 pm US/Mountain
Denver Dems Hope City Will Host 2008 Convention
by Molly Hughes
DENVER (CBS4) ―
By this time next week, Denver could know if it will host the
Democratic National Convention in 2008.
People who have been working for years to bring the convention to the city are hoping these last few days will be well worth the wait.
Attorney and political heavyweight, Steve Farber, has been trying to bring the democrats to Denver for many years.
"Denver is a pretty well kept secret to a lot of people," Farber said. "I think it's time to let the secret out."
Within one day after his election, Governor-elect
Bill Ritter threw his support behind the convention bid.
"Governor (Howard) Dean called to congratulate him and Governor Ritter launched right into 'I want the convention,'" said Debbie White with Denver 2008.
In the final days, the convention bid comes down to dollars. The Denver Business Community must raise about $20 million to offset the cost of the convention.
Farber said Denver is ready to put its money on the table.
"Those are the dollars that we have been raising for a long time," Farber said.
But if Denver wins its bid, the convention will pay off big for the local economy.
"It can generate up to $150 million in direct and indirect spending for the city which everybody will benefit from," Elbra Wedgeworth, with Denver 2008.
Democrats agree the national exposure it would bring to Colorado and the west is priceless.
"The message this is sending to the country is that politically, the west is the pathway to the presidency," Wedgeworth said.
The convention is scheduled for August of 2008. If Denver is chosen it would be held at the Pepsi Center.
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