PRESS RELEASE from the Democratic National Convention Committee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, August 16, 2008
CONTACT: Jenni Engebretsen - DNCC
                    Jenny Backus - OFA

THE 2008 CONVENTION:
RENEWING AMERICA'S PROMISE - TUESDAY, AUGUST 26

Democrats to Highlight House Leadership & Rising House Stars

Featured Speakers: Xavier Becerra, Nydia Velazquez, Linda Sanchez, Tammy Baldwin and Mike Honda Chris Van Hollen and Top DCCC Candidates for Change 

DENVER –The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) and the Obama for America Campaign announced today that Tuesday night’s program for the Convention, Renewing America’s Promise, will feature leading voices from the U.S. House of the Representatives. 

“House members and House candidates have been advocating a strong message of change for America since the 2006 election,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Permanent Chair of the 2008 Convention, who will have a prominent speaking role on Monday, August 25th, the opening night of the Convention. “As the people’s representatives in Congress, it is our duty to hold the White House accountable to the needs of Americans who are struggling to get by. We desperately need change in the White House to move this country in a New Direction and renew America’s Promise.”

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and House Democratic Caucus Chair Rahm Emanuel will speak Tuesday, as will DCCC Chair Chris Van Hollen, who will use his time to showcase his top candidates for change.

Representatives Nydia Velazquez (D-NY), Linda Sanchez (D-CA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will speak to Tuesday’s theme of Women and Economy.  Representative Mike Honda (D-CA) will also speak.

Representative Xavier Becerra (D-CA), Assistant to the Speaker of the House
, will speak late Tuesday night.

Other House Members speaking during Convention week include:

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Permanent Chair of the 2008 Convention, will deliver a major address on Monday, August 25th to open the Convention.

House Majority Whip James Clyburn
and Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL) will speak on Securing America’s Future on Wednesday night of the Convention.

National Obama Co-Chair Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-IL) will also speak late Monday night to help tell Barack Obama’s life story and vision for the future.

Convention organizers stressed the program could still change and additional House Members could be included as part of future program announcements.

The Democratic National Convention will be held in Denver from August 25th through August 28th.


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