www.politico.com/news/stories/0608/10878.html
After months of planning for two dozen parties to fete the 56 delegations to the Democratic National Convention -- and facing financial difficulties -- the city's host committee is scrapping those parties and holding one big bash. The party for the 6,000 delegates and their guests on Aug. The host committee originally said in a news release that Friends of New Orleans would be hosting the party. That is incorrect, according to the group, which raises funds for non-profit groups in Louisiana. After the party, Friends of New Orleans is planning a gathering of its own at Fillmore Auditorium to raise awareness of the rebuilding efforts. The group plans a similar event at the Republican National Convention in Minnesota. Traditionally, a convention city stages several parties to welcome the state delegations. Through the protracted Democratic primary season, Denver's host committee has been struggling to meet its fundraising obligations. "This should save us some money," said host committee spokesman Chris Lopez. "It's more an effort to invite all the delegations into one really cool event," Lopez said, adding that a single soiree could help build party unity after the long, divisive primary season. Lopez said 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. He says the committee hasn't settled on a venue but is considering holding the event at the Colorado Convention Center. Millions short 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. The party is meant to commemorate the rebuilding efforts in New Orleans three years after Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast, leaving 80 percent of the city submerged. The Denver Museum of Nature & Science learned of the cancellation Tuesday. "We have to be supportive to that," spokeswoman Laura Holtman said of the change. "The cancellation of this event, from our perspective, is not a big deal." Other venues include some of the Mile High City's jewels, such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Denver Botanic Gardens and the Denver Zoo.
No more lobbyist money, No more 527 money, No more PAC money, fewer parties, maybe just maybe some transparency in our government. Washington is being put on notice that business as usual is coming to an end. Dumping millions of dollars on parties when our Country is sinking is about as stupid an idea as anyone has EVER had. If Obama's smart he'll do the same for his innauguration & have a very small party with his closest friends, Family & advisors & save the money to do something meaningful.
You have 152 days to find out whether the pig has wings. I for one applaude the efforts to change business as usual before even being elected President. He has begun the process of consolidating the party and sending a message that he intends to do things differently.
I'd rather be at an event that had free booze and some small appetizers than to have 12 parties scheduled. As for the Republicans, I say the same as Marie-Antoinette: "Let them eat cake".
updated I'm not sure what went on behind the scenes at the DNC regarding the policy shift to no lobbyist money, but I have to believe Dr. Dean had a lot to do with it (and Obama's grass roots fundraising prowess).
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