Dems face budget shortfall for convention

NEW YORK (AP) — Facing an $11.6 million budget shortfall, organizers of the Democratic National Convention are cutting events while hoping Barack Obama's emergence as the likely presidential nominee will spur his vast army of donors to pony up.
The convention's Denver host committee reported it has deposited $29 million of the $40.6 million it promised to the Democratic National Committee by a Monday deadline. The overall convention budget is about $70 million.
"The Denver Host Committee is fully confident about completing its fundraising goals. It will continue to raise private donations to meet its contractual obligations over the next two months," said host committee spokesman Chris Lopez.
The convention opens on Aug. 25, giving the committee just 10 weeks to come up with the money. Some faulted the slowing economy and the protracted Democratic primary as the two major reasons the committee has struggled to raise the cash.
"While we're disappointed with the current report, we expect the host committee will do everything they can to channel the unprecedented energy and enthusiasm our party has experienced throughout the primary season so we can deliver what Denver and the nation are expecting — a flawless event to help put Barack Obama on the path to victory in November," said Natalie Wyeth, a spokeswoman for the Democratic National Convention Committee.
Rick Ridder, a Denver-based Democratic strategist who has helped the city's convention efforts, said the shortfall is a significant concern.


The DNC fundraising problems may stem from their treatment of Hillary Clinton and her loyal supporters. Many prominent Democrats are now supporting John McCain.