Denver picked to host 2008 Democratic nominating convention, boosting Richardson’s chances

The Democratic Party will hold its 2008 nominating convention in Denver.

The announcement, made today by the Democratic National Committee, is great news for Gov. Bill Richardson, who has worked hard to increase the West’s prominence in the nominating process as he prepares to announce what most expect to be his own presidential run.

Richardson and others pushed to move Nevada’s caucuses ahead of the New Hampshire primary and won. Now they have succeeded in beating out New York City for the 2008 convention, which will be held Aug. 25-28.

Richardson’s influence in the party will only increase as his proposals become reality. The victory also boosts Richardson’s White House hopes, as it brings further attention to the West and its political leaders.

The decision by DNC Chairman Howard Dean had been expected in December, but was delayed when bids from both cities faltered. In New York, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the city could not pay the costs. In Denver there are a host of logistical and labor issues.

But Denver won out.

“There is no question that the West is important to the future of the Democratic Party,” Dean said in a statement. “The recent Democratic gains in the West exemplify the principle that when we show up and ask for people’s votes and talk about what we stand for, we can win in any part of the country.”

The Republican National Convention will be held starting Sept. 1 in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.

Hosting a convention is a huge task. Denver is expected to have an additional 35,000 visitors for the Democrats’ event.

Update, 1:10 p.m.

Richardson issued this statement:

“This isn’t just a win for Denver and Colorado, but for the whole mountain west. From Montana to New Mexico, the west is the most fertile ground for Democrats. The Denver convention in 2008 will only further these efforts.”