I had the pleasure of speaking at the Colorado Democratic Party’s annual gathering at the Renaissance Hotel in Stapleton this morning. There was a light snow on the ground but the winter weather didn’t keep any of our party faithfuls from coming out to hear from great Colorado leaders like Governor Ritter and state Chair Pat Waak. 

Hello again. This is Sky Gallegos, Deputy CEO for Intergovernmental Affairs — back again with new video from our travels around the state of Colorado. A few weeks ago, Colorado Democratic Party Chair Pat Waak and I visited Steamboat.  
 

This week, in the second in a series of our joint appearances, Pat and I visited Democratic activists in Ft. Collins to brief them on the Convention and how they can participate either as a volunteer or as a delegate.The excitement in the room was palpable, as we had 70 to 80 people attend on a brisk Monday night in early December.

Once again, we had a wide variety of participants with a full spectrum of political experience — everyone from a newly elected Loveland City Council member to a college student just dipping her toes into the political waters.

 I had the chance to introduce my new Governor, Colorado’s own Bill Ritter, to the DNC membership this afternoon. He gave a great speech that highlighted the lessons to be shared from the West and the pragmatic, forward-looking leaders of the region tackling big problems. And in Denver, he said, we will choose with one voice a leader who will move us forward as a country. 

He also noted with pride that we’re working in Denver to put on the greenest Convention ever. 

To close the day, the Host Committee held a reception for DNC members to offer them a little preview of next August. On the menu: Boulder Fries on the Fly, Rocky Mountain Buffalo Sliders, Tostadas and “Denveritas" to drink. Two big screens featuring local landmarks and landscapes and music including at least a song or two from The Fray. 

Time to take my shoes off - it’s been quite a day.

Greetings from Vienna, Virginia, where the Democratic National Committee is hosting its Fall Meeting. The DNCC team is here in force as well. We’re staffing a Convention Information Center today and tomorrow, offering a full slate of info on our host city and Convention planning to date to DNC members and other attendees from the Democratic family. We’re even offering Convention “credentials” to those who stop by - lovely souvenirs, although (before you get in your car and head over) they won’t get you into the Pepsi Center next August.

Over in Bloggers Alley, we have information on blogger credentialing in Denver. We also briefed state party chairs yesterday on our new DemConvention State Blogger Corps, and the plan was met with an enthusiastic response.