Comcast, Qwest And Xcel Pony Up For Denver's 2008 DNC Bid

Gathering cash to reel in the coveted convention:

Three Fortune 500 companies - citing civic support and not politics - have pledged at least $11.5 million in cash and in-kind contributions for Denver's bid to host the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

Qwest and Comcast have pledged $5 million each, and Xcel Energy $1.5 million, said attorney Steve Farber, co-chairman of Denver's host committee.

The goal is to raise $20 million from the Colorado business community as a part of the $80 million tab for the convention. It would be held at the Pepsi Center in August 2008 and attract an estimated 35,000 attendees to the city.

Denver and New York are finalists for the event.

"Where would you rather be in August?" Farber asked.