Blogging the DNC

Only 30 bloggers in 2004; hundreds expected this year.

By Barbara Armijo 05/19/2008

Droves of bloggers have signed up to cover the August Democratic National Convention in Denver, prompting organizers to get a handle on who will be reporting, said Aaron Myers, Director of Online Communications for the 2008 Democratic National Convention Committee.

Bloggers are just one group of journalists represented at the convention, and they aren't new to the gig. However, in 2004, only 30 bloggers were credentialed, Myers said.

"This summer, we expect to have several times that number," he said.

The DNC has already credentialed 55 state blogs, including Democracy for New Mexico, which make up the "state blogger corps." There also will be more bloggers credentialed as part of a "general blogger pool." The DNC has not decided yet how many bloggers will make up this pool, but Myers said the goal is to "credential blogs that represent a variety of interests and audiences."

Myers said he expects the general blogger pool list to be announced by the end of May.

In the state blogger corps, each state is represented, plus bloggers from Puerto Rico, District of Columbia, U.S Virgin Islands, Guam and a group called Democrats Abroad. Myers said more than 400 bloggers applied to represent their states. The DNC has a full list of those that make up the state blogger corps on its Web site.

Bloggers in the state corps will be seated with their delegations and given access to delegates for live and -- more than likely -- lively reactions. Portions of their blogs will be featured on the DNC Web site.

New Mexico's representative in the corps is Democracy for New Mexico, written and managed by Barbara Wold. Democracy for New Mexico is an independent blog that reports on Democratic candidates, party activities, grassroots activism and progressive issues with the goal of increasing citizen participation in Democratic and progressive politics, according to its Web site. The blog also functions as an information clearinghouse for progressive candidates, organizations and causes.

As a side note, bloggers, I've learned are some of the most creative and innovative people out there. Glancing at the list of blog names on the state list will validate that. Here are a few of my favorites:

CONNECTICUT - My Left Nutmeg - http://myleftnutmeg.com

ARIZONA - Ted Prezelski - Rum, Romanism and Rebellion - http://www.rumromanismrebellion.net

MASSACHUSETTS - Blue Mass. Group - http://www.bluemassgroup.com

SOUTH DAKOTA - Badlands Blue - http://www.badlandsblue.com

WASHINGTON - HorsesAss.org - http://www.horsesass.org