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2006 Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ricky Clemons National Urban League 212/558-5371
rclemons@nul.org

National Urban League President Calls Upon Political Parties to Hold 2008 Conventions In Storm-Torn New Orleans

Urges Party Leaders to Cap Spending at 50% of 2004 Levels, Devote Excess to Gulf Coast Rebuilding

New York, N.Y. - August 23, 2006 - A year after Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast, National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial called upon leaders of the nation's major political parties to hold their 2008 conventions in New Orleans.

"This would send a powerful message to the nation and the world that the victims of Hurricane Katrina will not be forgotten," Morial, who was New Orleans mayor from 1994 to 2002, said. "It will also demonstrate that the nation's political leaders are squarely and solidly committed to rebuilding."

In his letter to Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean and Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman, Morial also urged the parties to limit convention expenditures at 50 percent of 2004 levels and contribute the rest to Gulf Coast rebuilding.

In 2004, Republicans took their convention to New York City, a little less than three years after 9/11 hit, injecting an estimated $255 million in much-needed revenue into the city's economy. It cost $82 million, according to a Federal Election Commission audit. The Democrats held their event in Boston, generating an estimated $154.2 million in economic revenue and costing $50.3 million.

"The GOP came to New York City's rescue in 2004. Why can't the political parties come to the aid of New Orleans, which was hit by a tragedy nearly as grave as 9/11 and as deserving of such grand gestures," Morial said.

"Our political leaders need to put their rhetoric into real action. What better way to help the victims than to hold their conventions right in the midst of Katrina's Ground Zero," he said.

Below is a copy of the letter. For an interview with Mr. Morial, call Ricky Clemons at 212-558-5371.

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National Urban League (www.nul.org) Established in 1910, The Urban League is the nation's oldest and largest community-based movement devoted to empowering African Americans to enter the economic and social mainstream. Today, the National Urban League, headquartered in New York City, spearheads the non-partisan efforts of its local affiliates. There are over 100 local affiliates of the National Urban League located in 35 states and the District of Columbia providing direct services to more than 2 million people nationwide through programs, advocacy and research.

August 23, 2006

The Honorable Howard Dean
Chairman
Democratic National Committee
430 S. Capitol St. SE
Washington, DC 20003

The Honorable Ken Mehlman
Chairman
Republican National Committee
310 First Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003

Re: Katrina - One Year Later

Gentlemen,

I thank both of you for your remarks and attendance at the 96th annual National Urban League Conference in Atlanta last month. I also write to encourage you and your respective political parties to join in a strong public act on behalf of the Gulf Coast, its rebuilding and the many victims of Hurricane Katrina.

I urge you and your respective political committees to undertake the following:

As president of the National Urban League and a former mayor of New Orleans, I strongly believe that both the Democrats and Republicans have a real opportunity to do something meaningful to assist the rebuilding process and help the victims.

I strongly encourage your embrace of these goals and look forward to speaking with you and your political parties about them.

Very Truly Yours,

Marc. H. Morial