Senator Thomas offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 134.

            A resolution to urge the Democratic National Committee to consider Detroit as the host site for the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

            Whereas, Detroit is one of 11 cities to receive RFPs to bid for the 2008 Democratic National Convention.  Cities have been asked to make their proposals to the National Democratic Committee by May 19, 2006, and a decision on site selection  is expected to be made by fall of 2006; and

            Whereas, The capacity of the Motor City to host an event as large as a national political party convention can hardly be questioned, for in the past year Detroit successfully hosted the 2005 Major League Baseball All-Star Game and Super Bowl XL. In addition, in 2005 the Progressive  National Baptist Convention met in the Motor City, and in 2004 the National Urban League and the Lions Clubs International held their conventions in Detroit; and

            Whereas, The selection of Detroit as the host city for the 2008 Democratic National Convention would be an important step in the rejuvenation of Detroit as a major urban center. In recent years, the city has made great economic strides with the relocation of the Compuware Corporation to downtown Detroit and the nearly $500 million investment that General Motors has made to its Renaissance Center global headquarters. The Super Bowl infused more than $300 million into the local economy, and the hosting of the 2008 Democratic National Convention would be another boost in the rejuvenation of this great and unique city; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we urge the Democratic National Committee to select Detroit as the site of the 2008 Democratic National Convention; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Democratic National Committee.