New York City was passed over in favor of the Mile-High city as the
site of the 2008 Democratic National Convention in a vote Thursday.The vote was supposed to take place last fall but was pushed back because both cities were struggling with logistical issues.
New York City had sought the convention, but Mayor Michael
Bloomberg had said he would not commit the city to underwrite the
convention’s costs.“We are disappointed, but as I had pointed out a number of times, these conventions have gotten very expensive,” said Bloomberg.
Bloomberg added that he felt the fundraising would fall on him, but
he has other obligations, like the World Trade Center memorial.Denver had an enthusiastic bid, but critics say it was riddled with
logistical problems. Democratic Chairman Howard Dean says the decision
was a strategic one. The recent Democratic gains in the west have given
the party hope that it can make more progress in the region come 2008..
