Reply #26: FAQs from the DNC Re the dates and location

[MaineDem]

Why has Governor Dean chosen to hold the 2008 Democratic Convention from August 25-28th?

Governor Dean selected the last week in August because it will afford the Democratic presidential tickets several strategic advantages:

The convention will occur following the Olympics, at a time when the public is most interested and ready to focus on the general election. American families have completed their summer vacations and most children have returned to school, and Democratic candidates will be able to make their case to an attentive public.

The so-called “post-convention bounce” traditionally enjoyed by candidates after the intense media coverage of the campaign will occur just 68 days before Election Day giving our candidates the opportunity to hit the ground running.

The “federal general election grant” for the general election period will only have to fund the campaign for 68 days. (In 2004, federal matching funds for the Kerry-Edwards campaign had to be spread over three months, preventing the campaign from launching an aggressive paid media campaign immediately after the convention – even as the campaign’s primary election bank account contained a surplus.)

Who did Gov. Dean consult before choosing the dates for the 2008 Democratic convention?

In deciding which dates to hold the 2008 convention, Governor Dean consulted with Democratic party leaders, recent Democratic presidential nominees and members of their staffs who were instrumental in putting together the convention and executing their post-convention campaign strategy.

Do the dates the Gov. Dean has chosen for the convention depart from recent political tradition about the timing of the major party conventions (that the party in the White House holds their convention last)?

No. By holding the Democratic convention in late August, the Republicans can follow the precedent they established last year and hold their convention in early September if they choose.

When will the host city for the 2008 Democratic National Convention be selected?

The host city for the 2008 Democratic National Convention will be announced sometime after the 2006 Mid-Term Elections.

Who will select the host city for the 2008 Democratic National Convention?

As in the past, cities interested in hosting the Democratic convention in 2008 will submit bids to the DNC and those bids will be evaluated on the basis of a clear set of criteria. Governor Dean will ultimately choose the city that will host the Democratic convention.