"Civil rights activists say a Denver police policy could result in mass arrests and a clogged jail" during the '08 Dem convo "and they filed a claim seeking monetary damages over its use last Columbus Day parade." The policy "regards police handling of misdemeanor offenses committed by protesters."
"Until last year, Denver's policy for minor offenses was to give the accused a summons to appear in court. But before October's Columbus Day parade, the police changed the policy to arrest and detain protesters, even for minor offenses. More than 80 protesters were arrested for trying to block the parade route, leading to the ACLU complaint early last month. The claim marked the precursor to a formal lawsuit, although" CO ACLU dir. Mark Silverstein "said the intent of filing is to 'nudge' the city into rethinking the policy change" (Plunkett, Denver Post, 5/1).
Dem convo chief executive Leah Daughtry writes in the Denver Post, "Rest assured: Denver is where the next president will be nominated." While John McCain "visits Denver for the day today (5/1) we've been hard a work for nearly a year." Dems asked the Denver community for 10K volunteers to help ensure a successful convo. More than 21K have already signed up to volunteer. In contrast, GOPers announced this week they received 3K inquiries from folks interested in volunteering during their own convo (5/1).
Someone's Watching From The Sidelines
Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper (D) and ex-Mayor Federico Pena (D) "will likely face off this month" to be named CO's one at-large superdelegate to the Dem convo. "The two are the only nominees for the slot, which could have national implications because superdelegates will likely decide the race."
Pena is a co-chair for Barack Obama and Hickenlooper "has not committed to either candidate." A third nominee for the at-large sport, CO House Speaker Andrew Romanoff "bowed out after saying he believed the mayor of the convention host city should be the at-large superdelegate."
CO Dem Chair Pat Waak "said Pena's name was submitted by superdelegates committed to Obama and that Romanoff's name was, in turn, submitted by the Clinton backers. It isn't clear who submitted Hickenlooper's name, but the mayor said he did not actively seek the position." Hickenlooper "said he would remain uncommitted if he got the at-large slot because he felt it was important for the mayor of the host city to be neutral"(Montero, Rocky Morning News, 5/2).
Boehner's Boy
Meanwhile, Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), "a pro-life freshman," will chair the platform at the GOP convo. He was named to the chairmanship by House Min. John Boehner (R-OH), "with the concurrence" of McCain's camp. Boehner: "Kevin McCarthy has the commitment to reform, energy, and enthusiasm to guide Republicans in crafting a bold platform founded on our time-testes principles of faith, freedom, and strength."
McCarthy, 43, "is believed to be the youngest person to chair the GOP's panel that will outline the party's tenets in a document complied at the convention. According to the National Right to Life cmte, McCarthy had a 100% "pro-life voting record" his first year in Congress (Washington Times, 5/2).
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