/EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE UPON DELIVERY OF SPEECH, SCHEDULED FOR BETWEEN 4:00 - 7:00 P.M. EDT TODAY, JULY 26/ /ADVANCE/ BOSTON, July 26 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is a transcript of a speech given by the honorable Greg Meeks at the Democratic National Convention, Monday, July 26, 2004: Mr. Chairman, the Rules Committee has enthusiastically nominated an outstanding slate of individuals to serve as the permanent officers of this convention. First, on behalf of the Rules Committee, I nominate Governor Bill Richardson to serve as the permanent convention chair. Last year, in a show of unity and consensus, Governor Richardson was recommended for this post by all 10 Democratic candidates for president. With Governor Richardson's election as convention chair, once again the Democratic Party shows it is the party of progress and inclusion. And I am pleased to say that he is the first Hispanic chair of a national convention. A former congressman, cabinet secretary and ambassador to the United Nations, he is recognized as a leader at home and abroad, and we are honored to have him lead this convention. We further nominate Senator Edward M. Kennedy to serve as honorary chair of this convention. Senator Kennedy has spent his lifetime following in the tradition of his family to fight for those who otherwise would not have a voice. While a leader in Massachusetts for more than four decades his voice and influence stretches across the country. There is no one more ready and able to be the honorary chair of the first Democratic convention to be held in Boston. To serve as co-chairs of this Convention, I nominate the Democrat who will replace Bill Frist and once again return to his rightful post as Majority Leader of the Senate, Tom Daschle. I nominate the next Speaker of the House and the first woman Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. And I nominate a leader among our Democratic governors, Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania. Senator Tom Daschle is a tireless fighter for South Dakota and America's working families. He has never lost sight of where he came from. He never forgets he's in Washington to put the priorities of America first. That's why this November, South Dakota voters will return Tom Daschle to the U.S. Senate, and we will again call him majority leader. Just across the rotunda of the Capitol, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi works day and night against the tactics of House Republicans. She stands ready to win back the House of Representatives and assume the title of "madam speaker," proving once and for all that a woman's place is in the House. Time after time, Ed Rendell has shown his leadership abilities as mayor of Philadelphia and as governor of Pennsylvania. We know that with Governor Rendell in place, Pennsylvania will deliver for John Kerry and John Edwards in November. Our team for this week is almost complete. To serve this convention as vice chairs, we nominate: * Governor Kathleen Blanco of Louisiana; * Governor Gary Locke of Washington; * their former colleagues as chief executives, New Hampshire Governor Jeanne Shaheen and Oregon Governor Barbara Roberts; * former United States Senator Max Cleland; * Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin; * Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick of Michigan; * Congressman Ed Markey of Massachusetts; * Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald of California; * Congressman Adam Smith of Washington; * the Speaker of the New Mexico House of Representatives, Ben Luhon; * and Columbus, Ohio, Mayor Michael Coleman. As the first female governor of Louisiana, Kathleen Blanco is building on her long, distinguished career to create a new Louisiana, a state filled with hope and opportunity for all citizens. Since his election in 1996, Governor Gary Locke has worked tirelessly for Washington's families, promoting excellence in education and enhancing the environment. As governor of New Hampshire, Jeanne Shaheen always delivered for her constituents. This November, with governor Shaheen working for John Kerry, she will deliver once again. Former Oregon governor Barbara Roberts helped establish that state as one of the great laboratories of environmental protection and a streamlined and efficient state government. Max Cleland knows first-hand the valor and sacrifice John Kerry exhibited in Vietnam. He will not allow anyone to question the patriotism of John Kerry. Tammy Baldwin's congressional campaigns are well-known for producing a high turnout of young voters, especially from the University of Wisconsin. In the House of Representatives, Congresswoman Baldwin is a leading advocate for increased aid for higher education. Representing the great city of Detroit and its suburbs, Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick is an effective fighter for all of Michigan's people. She has helped to level the playing field for minority-owned businesses. The dean of the Massachusetts congressional delegation, Ed Markey, has had the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with Senator Kerry for Bay State voters. Come next January, Congressman Markey will be able to work hand-in-hand with President Kerry. Washington State Congressman Adam Smith has become an expert in Congress on technology, telecommunications and economic growth. He will help President Kerry put our economy back on the right track. Speaker of the New Mexico House of Representatives Ben Luhon has been a leader in the state legislature for over a quarter century. He will help lead John Kerry and John Edwards to victory in New Mexico this November. Just as Mayor Michael Coleman is revitalizing Columbus, Ohio, he will be a part of John Kerry's vision to revitalize America's urban areas. Finally, I am pleased to nominate as secretary of this national convention Alice Travis Germond. Our party is truly fortunate to have such an outstanding slate of national leaders who will help ensure a successful convention. Mr. Chairman, at this time, on behalf of our committee, I move the adoption of the Rules Committee report. Source: Democratic National Convention Committee CONTACT: Peggy Wilhide of the Democratic National Convention Committee, +1-617-366-3100 Web site: http://www.dems2004.org/