(July 14, 2004) -- The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has named LB area Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald (D., LB-Carson) a Vice Chair of the 2004 Democratic National Convention, scheduled for Boston July 26-28.

As a Convention Vice Chair, Cong. Millender-McDonald "will be responsible for conducting and expediting the business of the Convention," said a release emailed from her Capitol Hill office.

Her office's release notes that Cong. Millender-McDonald was earlier appointed Vice Chair of the Convention's Rules Committee and "is expected to play a major role in this year's convention and presidential campaign."

"I am honored to be selected Vice Chair of the 2004 Democratic National Convention and I look forward to working together with Senators John Kerry and John Edwards to take back the White House," said Cong. Millender-McDonald in the release. "The Kerry/Edwards ticket and the Democratic Party have a vision for our nation that resonates with the American people and one that will make life better for all Americans. They are men of strength, character and integrity, and I am excited to play a part in getting that message out," she added.

As previously reported by LBReport.com, Cong. Millender-McDonald was an early supporter of Senator Kerry's presidential bid. Her release says "she has spent the last eight months actively campaigning for him across the country. She was the first Congressional Black Caucus member, the first female Member of Congress, and the first member from the California congressional delegation to endorse Senator Kerry for president. In addition to her convention duties, Congresswoman Millender-McDonald is also National Co-Chair of the Kerry for President African American Steering Committee."

News of the DNC's selection of convention officers came in a July 9 DNC release which announced that New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson would serve as the Democrats' Convention Permanent Chair. Senator Ted Kennedy (MA) was named Convention Honorary Chair.

Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle (SD), House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA), and PA Governor Ed Rendell will serve as Convention Co-Chairs.

In addition to Congresswoman Millender-McDonald, other Convention Vice Chairs include Cong. Edward Markey (MA), Mayor Michael Coleman of Columbus, Speaker Ben Lujan (NV), Governor Gary Locke (WA), Cong. Adam Smith (WA), Governor Kathleen Blanco (LA), Cong. Tammy Baldwin (WI), Cong. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (MI), Former Governor Jeanne Shaheen (NH) and Former Governor Barbara Roberts (OR).

The Honorable Max Cleland will serve as Honorary Veterans Chair.

In a DNC release, party chairman Terry McAuliffe said:

"With our announcement [of convention officers] we are on our way to holding the greatest Democratic Convention in our nation's history. We are proud of the team we have in place to preside over the 2004 Convention and look forward to welcoming to Boston later this month the most diverse group of delegates in our Party's history."

DNC chair McAuliffe will present the names of the officers to the Convention Rules Committee for recommendation, and then to the Convention delegates for approval.