Hickenlooper to speak at Democratic convention

DENVER – Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper will give an address at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte next month, according to the DNC.

Hickenlooper, a popular governor in a critical swing state, is among eight additional speakers who were announced Sunday night.

Also on the list: Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris, former Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland.

Unlike many of those Democratic cohorts, Hickenlooper’s political brand is unabashedly centrist, even apolitical — and the former brewpub owner-turned-mayor has seemed content to avoid national politics as much as possible.

That said, Hickenlooper’s name has also been mentioned increasingly as a 2016 presidential contender. A speaking slot at the DNC, roughly a month after his first speech in the early-voting state of New Hampshire, offers Hickenlooper a rare opportunity to introduce himself to the rest of the country.

More immediately, if Hickenlooper does choose to stick his neck out and wholeheartedly endorse and support President Obama, as he’s yet to do, he could make a difference in deciding which candidate wins Colorado and, quite possibly, the White House.

“For years ago, John Hickenlooper spoke at the DNC as the hometown mayor,” said political analyst Eric Sondermann. “This year, he will speak as a rising star within the Party who is increasingly being included among the Party’s marquee names.”

Hickenlooper Monday is in Durango for the start of the Pro Cycyling Challenge and was not available immediately for a comment.