Good news for New Mexico, and the rest of the Western states, because it looks like Denver has been chosen as the location for the 2008 Democratic National Convention:

National Democrats announced today that they have picked Denver over New York for the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

Denver’s selection brings the high-profile political gathering to the Pepsi Center in August 2008 — exactly 100 years after the city hosted its first and only national party convention. About 35,000 delegates and journalists are expected for what business leaders hope will mean a more than $160 million boon for the city.

“There is no question that the West is important to the future of the Democratic Party,” Democratic National Committee chairman Howard Dean said in a release. “The recent Democratic gains in the West exemplify the principle that when we show up and ask for people’s votes and talk about what we stand for, we can win in any part of the country. Additionally, we have a number of strong Democratic leaders in the West who will be a part of showcasing the vision of Democratic leadership for America as we introduce the next Democratic President in the Rocky Mountains.”

I imagine this will help Bill Richardson to a certain degree as well, as he’s worked hard recently to push for a Western primary.