Boston to host 2004 Democratic convention

Boston 'embodies the American spirit'

From John Mercurio
CNN Washington Bureau

Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Massachusetts, lobbied hard for Boston's selection.

Story Tools

VIDEO CNN's Bill Delaney says finishing the 'big dig' has Boston scrambling to prepare for 2004 Democratic National Convention (November 13) PLAY VIDEO

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Democrats will launch their 2004 quest to defeat President Bush in historic Boston, which beat out New York, Detroit and Miami for the Democratic National Convention by mounting a full-scale lobbying campaign and pledging loads of private funding.

"We should bring our national Democratic showcase to the shining city on the hill," said Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe during a Washington press conference Wednesday where the DNC's 45-member site selection committee announced its choice. "Perhaps no city better embodies the American spirit. It is the birthplace of American patriotism and an ideal backdrop for an affirmation of Democratic values."

McAuliffe also said the Democrats will hold their convention from July 26 to 29, a full 31 days before Republicans open theirs.

Meeting in Boston could create some headaches for Democrats as they try to regroup after their electoral drubbing in last week's midterm elections.

Massachusetts is one of the nation's most liberal states -- all 12 members of its congressional delegation are Democrats, most of them left of center -- and the last Democrat from the state to run for president, former Gov. Michael Dukakis, was trounced in 1988 by then-Vice President George Bush, the father of the man Democrats hope to unseat in two years.

But DNC officials said they chose Boston because it put together the best package: the city boasts a plethora of hotel and convention space and has pledged $20 million in private funds.

Boston recently secured two $1 million commitments for its convention plan, from the Gillette Co. and Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Massachusetts, raising its total pledged contributions from area businesses to $10 million. The city is seeking $20 million in cash and $12.5 million in donated services to accompany $17.5 million in government assistance -- a $50 million package.

Perhaps the most active person in the fund-raising and lobbying efforts has been Sen. Edward Kennedy, Massachusetts' long-time liberal, Democratic senator.

McAuliffe, joined by Kennedy and Massachusetts' junior senator, John Kerry, praised Boston Mayor Tom Menino, a Democrat, for his role in the lobbying effort.

"Tom Menino has been championing this almost right since he got out of the cradle," Kennedy said. "No city wanted this more than Boston. In the end, I think they understood that."

"This has been a long journey," Menino said, crediting community and business leaders who helped put together the winning bid. "Boston is a city that works for all our people, and that's what we want the future of America to be."

Democrats Wednesday did not discuss McAuliffe's future as DNC chairman, which some party leaders have questioned since Democrats suffered a series of setbacks in last week's midterm elections. But Kennedy presented McAuliffe with a gavel made with wood from the U.S.S. Constitution, a gavel that, the senator made a point of emphasizing, "Chairman McAuliffe will use in 2004" to gavel the convention to order.

Panel: Spy agencies in dark about threats • White House calls pope inspiration for millions • Lott delays vote on base closing nominee • Former Clinton adviser Berger to plead guilty

CNN/Money: Security alert issued for 40 million credit cards • Bin Laden deputy sends message • U.S. House votes to keep U.N. dues • Iran poll to go to run-off