Text of Greg Meeks's speechMr. Chairman, the Rules Committee has enthusiastically nominated an outstanding slate of individuals to serve as the permanent officers of this convention.
First, on behalf of the Rules Committee, I nominate Governor Bill Richardson to serve as the permanent convention chair. Last year, in a show of unity and consensus, Governor Richardson was recommended for this post by all 10 Democratic candidates for president. With Governor Richardson's election as convention chair, once again the Democratic Party shows it is the party of progress and inclusion. And I am pleased to say that he is the first Hispanic chair of a national convention. A former congressman, cabinet secretary and ambassador to the United Nations, he is recognized as a leader at home and abroad, and we are honored to have him lead this convention. We further nominate Senator Edward M. Kennedy to serve as honorary chair of this convention. Senator Kennedy has spent his lifetime following in the tradition of his family to fight for those who otherwise would not have a voice. While a leader in Massachusetts for more than four decades his voice and influence stretches across the country. There is no one more ready and able to be the honorary chair of the first Democratic convention to be held in Boston. To serve as co-chairs of this Convention, I nominate the Democrat who will replace Bill Frist and once again return to his rightful post as Majority Leader of the Senate, Tom Daschle. I nominate the next Speaker of the House and the first woman Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. And I nominate a leader among our Democratic governors, Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania. Senator Tom Daschle is a tireless fighter for South Dakota and America's working families. He has never lost sight of where he came from. He never forgets he's in Washington to put the priorities of America first. That's why this November, South Dakota voters will return Tom Daschle to the U.S. Senate, and we will again call him majority leader. Just across the rotunda of the Capitol, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi works day and night against the tactics of House Republicans. She stands ready to win back the House of Representatives and assume the title of "madam speaker," proving once and for all that a woman's place is in the House. Time after time, Ed Rendell has shown his leadership abilities as mayor of Philadelphia and as governor of Pennsylvania. We know that with Governor Rendell in place, Pennsylvania will deliver for John Kerry and John Edwards in November. Our team for this week is almost complete. To serve this convention as vice chairs, we nominate: " Governor Kathleen Blanco of Louisiana; " Governor Gary Locke of Washington; Continued... |
