Florida Progressive Coalition Selected to Join Sunshine State Delegation in Denver

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 14, 2008

TALLAHASSEE - The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) today announced that the Florida Progressive Coalition has been selected to be a part of the State Blogger Corps for the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, which will be held August 26-29, 2008.

Florida Progressive Coalition (FPC) bloggers will be issued credentials to join Florida's delegation on the convention floor, allowing for unprecedented access live-blogging throughout the four-day event.

The State Blogger Corps is part of the DNCC's expansion of blogger credentialing. Blogger credential demand has skyrocketed and the move to create the Corps recognizes the stellar contributions of blogs to the political process. All 50 states and territories will be represented in the Corps. The existing blogger credential process will continue, but these select groups will have rare access.

"The Florida Progressive Coalition is honored to be chosen as the official state blog for the Democratic National Convention. We aspire to provide the best in-depth coverage - with a special eye on Florida - of any blog or media organization present in Denver," said the Coalition's Ken Quinnell of Tallahassee. "This recognition is a testament to the years of hard work done by the many people who strive to make our coalition a success, including Dave Harper, Jackie Dowd, Ray Seaman, Alison Berke Morano, Susan Smith and many others."

"Democrats continue to lead the way in bringing innovative, emerging media into the fold. This historic election year is further proof that online communication can translate into offline action, including everything from building an unprecedented fundraising apparatus to organizing satellite phone banks to exposing corrupt Republicans," Florida Democratic Party Online Communications Director Phillip Perry said. "From the Presidential campaigns down to the State Party, it's clear that Democrats are beating Republicans in capturing online enthusiasm."

Last year, the Netroots Coalition, modeled after a constituency caucus, was added to the Florida Democratic Party structure. Florida has established itself as a national leader in fundamentally engaging the blogger activist community.

Reporting by the Florida Progressive Coalition is available at www.flaprogressives.org. Highlights from the State Blogger Corps will be featured on www.DemConvention.com in the lead up to and during the Convention.

The Democratic National Convention Committee press release is below.

DNC CHAIRMAN GOVERNOR DEAN ANNOUNCES BLOGS SELECTED FOR 2008 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION 'STATE BLOGGER CORPS'

Party Chairman Notifies Selected Blogs Via Online Video Message

DENVER - As part of the Democratic National Convention Committee's (DNCC) commitment to engaging a broad spectrum of audiences in the 2008 Democratic National Convention experience using new technology and other creative means, Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Howard Dean today announced the blogs selected to participate in the DemConvention State Blogger Corps during the four-day event in August. Governor Dean notified the blogs selected via an online video message available at www.DemConvention.com.

"Similar to the record-breaking voter turnout our Party has seen during the primary season, the demand for these coveted blogger positions is yet another indicator of the tremendous interest in this historic Convention," said Governor Dean. "The Internet has played a critical role in connecting Americans to elected officials and candidates seeking office. The DemConvention State Blogger Corps will continue to foster this dialogue - in all 50 of our states and our territories too - as we head towards this year's historic election and elect a Democrat to the White House."

The DNCC previously announced an expansion of the credentialed blogger pool from past Conventions and the addition of a state blogger credentialing program. As part of the new DemConvention State Blogger Corps, designed for bloggers covering state and local politics, bloggers will receive unparalleled access to state delegations and the floor of the Convention hall. In a truly unprecedented move, the DNCC will seat these bloggers with their respective delegations during the historic four-day event, providing even greater access for local coverage and perspective. Highlights from these blogs will also be featured on http://www.DemConvention.com in the lead up to and during the Convention.

"The members of the DemConvention State Blogger Corps represent a broad spectrum of voices that illustrate the 'big tent' nature of our Party," said DNCC CEO Leah D. Daughtry. "Many of these blogs are vibrant communities, well respected in their home states and committed to ensuring that all voices can be heard in the political process. I'm excited about the roles these bloggers will have in engaging an even broader, more diverse base of people from around the country in conversations not only about the Convention, but about the future of our nation."

More than 400 applications were received from bloggers across the United States and multiple territories. Some of the blogs selected for the State Corps are full-time, professional endeavors while others are the work of individuals, who through their own efforts have become recognized authorities on state and local politics. Bloggers had to submit daily audience information and provide examples of posts that made their blogs stand out as an effective online organizing tool or agent of change, a demonstration of both the reach and impact blogs have had and will continue to have on the 2008 election. The program recognizes the growth of more localized blogs and is in line with Governor Dean's 50-state strategy.

In addition to the State Blogger Corps, the DNCC will soon credential a General Blogger Pool, to include local, state and national political bloggers, as well as niche and video bloggers from across the country. All applicants not selected for the State Blogger Corps are now eligible for selection as part of the General Blogger Pool.