AP source: Democrats pick Los Angeles mayor to chair national convention this summer The USA Times

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Saturday, May 19, 2012

AP source: Democrats pick Los Angeles mayor to chair national convention this summer

WASHINGTON - The Democratic Party has picked Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to chair its national convention this summer in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, says in an email to DNC members that Villaraigosa will be nominated to chair the September convention.

Chairing the national convention, where Democrats are expected to nominate President Barack Obama for a second term, will place Villaraigosa in a national spotlight. Overseeing the gathering will also place the Latino mayor front and centre as Democrats woo Latino support for Obama and other candidates.

Wasserman Schultz tells DNC members that Villaraigosa has empowered people during his career and will encourage engagement from Americans across the country.

Villaraigosa was elected mayor in 2005 and re-elected in 2009.