Democrats Eying Boston For 2004 Convention

BOSTON— In what city officials see as a positive sign, national Democratic VIPs are coming for a second visit to consider Bostons bid for the 2004 party convention. The committee that decides where to host the convention has reportedly raised concerns about a lack of press workspace, and the fact that few minority officials are involved in Bostons planning process. The upcoming visit by eight members of the committees operation team falls just one month after Mayor Thomas M. Menino wined and dined them, offering to spend $49.5 million on the convention. Menino aide Julie Burns, who is spearheading Bostons convention bid, noted that all hotels were within 15 minutes of the FleetCenter and that the city has ample transportation and shuttle bus service. Boston is competing with New York, Miami and Detroit to host the convention. The national committee is expected to make an official recommendation to DNC chairman Terence McAuliffe in mid-September. A decision by McAuliffe is anticipated after the November elections. Two weeks ago, national Republicans passed over Bostons bid to host the 2004 GOP convention and said they would not even tour the Hub. SOURCE: Boston Herald