National Guard Rents 500-Plus Hotel Rooms For Democratic Convention

The U.S. Army and Colorado National Guard have announced intentions to reserve more than 500 hotel rooms for lodging during the Democratic National Convention, hinting at the number of military personnel that may be in Denver for the high-profile event that is expected to draw an estimated 50,000 protesters.

While the Democratic convention is being held on Aug 25-28, officials with the Colorado National Guard are seeking to reserve 438 rooms for Aug. 22-30 and 78 rooms for Aug. 18-30 according to award announcements published Friday on the Federal Business Opportunities Web site, a page run by the federal government for business contract solicitations. 

The documents show that majority of guard personnel staying from Aug. 22-30 are set to lodge at Johnson & Wales University, located on 7150 Montview Blvd in far east Denver, while 32 rooms will be rented out for an unknown Extended Stay America location in Denver.

NOTICE OF INTENT: Due to lack of other known sources the Colorado National Guard intends to award a sole source contract to Johnson & Wales University for 3,510 room nights and 3 meals per day 22-30 August 2008 for the Democratic National Convention. The place of performance will be the Denver Colorado.

The term "room nights" refers to the total number of rooms per-night that are being used during a guest's stay, and is calculated by multiplying the number of rooms by the number of nights a guest stays at the property.

Those staying from Aug. 18-30 are set for the Drury Hotels according to the documents, a building that is also located in far east Denver at 4400 Peoria St.

NOTICE OF INTENT: Due to lack of other known sources the Colorado National Guard intends to award a sole source contract to Drury Hotels Denver East for 1,020 room nights from 18-30 August 2008 for the Democratic National Convention.

The awards notices show that a total of 4530 room nights are planning to be purchased for the Democratic convention, although the cost is currently unknown.

It was recently reported that at least 900 police officers are expected to come to Denver from Wyoming and 12 other locations around the state to assist with security during the convention, for a cost of $25 million in federal tax dollars.

Stayed tuned to the Colorado Independent for more information.

Comments

[Krikkit]

Who is estimating 50,000 protesters?

I'd put it more at 500 to 1,000 maximum at best guess. There might have been more at one point when it looked like Clinton might have tried a floor fight, but now that that drama is long over, who is left except PUMA, a small group of disgruntled trailer trash who couldn't raise cab fare, much less air and hotel fare.

I'm suspecting that this is going to be more about a show of support from national guard troops than about putting down any potential civil disturbance...

[mjc]

Krikkit, who estimated 50,000 protesters? Probably the same folks who decided they need on police/security person for every delegate. I would sure like to know. If it is a DNC position, the whole nomination begins to sound like a putsch.

[YOUGOTTABEKIDDIN]

perfect opportunity to test the new "crowd control" technologies

[mjc]

What I'd like to know is who the hell requested THAT MANY National Guard? Is the DNC and the Obama campaign so worried he might NOT get the nomination? Yep, think that would cause a huge uproar from the Chosen One's troops.

[1differentdrummer]

Well, if right wingers are going to "Recreate '68" as they have threatened you need those who will recreate the Chicago police riot.

[GunneraGirl]

I didn't realise there was that many military personnel still remaining stateside.

[BADEN]

Gee. Good Luck.

I've heard all the rooms have been booked for months.

You'd think they'd set up their OWN tent city - tax payers have paid for the equipment.

Now, tell me again why all these national guards have been called up?

Boy, CodePink must have them in a virtual knickertwist.....

"THEM........THEM!"

[jiggystyles]

What they should worry about is the protests at the Republican National Convention.

[Pdubya]

oh, they are.

and ron paul supporters can walk the seven mile distance between rallies easily.

in fact, the Rally for The Republic is being held at the largest indoor arena in Minneapolis, the Target Center. LMAO to the GOP.

The Revolution has only begun.

[tds1273]

I don't know what their end game is, but the Army seems to be playing some heavy psy-ops on the public's security anxieties in Denver. This, the Blackhawk helicopter test runs they were doing, coupled with reports of the DPD spending massive amounts of money on "crowd control gear". Don't think they don't intend to spend all this effort and money for nothing. Watch out for agents provocateur; they were in Seattle for the WTO and were caught trying to start trouble in Quebec a year ago. Don't let them mess this up for the people. If someone tries to start trouble, calm them down. Stay smart, stay peaceful.