Rocky Mountain High Cost of Security. Congressional Democrats will request $50 million in federal funds to cover state and local security costs for their party’s 2008 national convention in Denver. [IMGCAP(1)]

“The eyes of the world will be on the Mile High City and I will do everything in my power to ensure the safety of everyone involved,” said Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), whose district includes Denver.

DeGette requested the funds Thursday along with Reps. Ed Perlmutter, John Salazar and Mark Udall, the other Democrats in Colorado’s House delegation.

In advance of the 2004 conventions, Congress initially appropriated $25 million for security measures in both Boston and New York, then authorized an additional $25 million for each. According to the Denver Convention Host Committee, security costs for the Democratic convention in Boston used $35 million of the available funds, while the GOP convention in New York used $50 million.

The 2008 Democratic convention is scheduled for Aug. 25-28. The Republican National Committee is scheduled to hold its 2008 convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul a week after the Democrats meet.

“Both the DNC and RNC conventions in 2004 were designated national security events by the Department of Homeland Security and appropriated $50 million each for security. We anticipate there will be similar arrangements for 2008,” an RNC spokeswoman said.

— Jennifer Yachnin