Friday, June 06, 2008

DNC pulls the punch bowl, RNC puts on the dog 

Via Hugh, I read that the response of the Democratic National Convention host committee to the shortfall of funds for their shindig is to cut down the number of parties that the Party can have.

...the idea of a single party originated in the past two weeks as host committee officials started talking with the Democratic National Convention Committee over ways to cut convention costs. [T]he committee hasn't settled on a venue but is considering holding the event at the Colorado Convention Center.

One of the officials with the New Orleans group is television commentator and Democratic superdelegate Donna Brazile, a friend of the DNCC's chief executive, Leah Daughtry.

"This consolidation, supported by the (DNCC), will enable the host committee to focus greater resources and energy into activities taking place in and around the Pepsi Center, where the actual convention is being held," the host committee said in a release.

In other words, they need the $25 million they've banked just to throw Sen. Obama his coronation, so let the delegates suffer through a 4,000+ gathering in a convention center. That should improve the mood of the 48% of them who will see their candidate not win the nomination.

What's the deal with Denver, anyway? Here in Minnesota, many firms have contributed to make sure that the RNC convention will be a fine time for all. Look at this list of donors that have contributed to the host committee. Why? I think it reasonable to say they are contributing for the purpose of showing off Minneapolis and St. Paul as world-class cities, a great place to live and to do business or headquarter a business. Twenty corporations headquartered here are part of the Fortune 500, and thirteen stepped up for the convention. That list doesn't include private companies (not publicly traded) like Cargill, also a donor. Surely Denver has such civic pride, don't they? Instead...

By holding one party, the committee can save on labor, transportation and economies of scale, Aiello said, adding: "It's got to be a significant amount of money."

Aiello said she's heard some grumbling from civic boosters, event planners and caterers.

"I'm certain it's very disappointing for these wonderful attractions. They are going to have to be creative to replace the opportunity that has been lost."

We don't need to be creative. As the Patriarch of the Sesquicentennial tells you, come to the Fair. (And tell Hugh, the Mayor of the MOB will be there; eating contest is on.)

[Top]