BOSTON -- Republican Gov. Mitt Romney has asked the Democrats to move their move their national convention from the FleetCenter to the new South Boston convention center.

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NewsCenter 5's Amalia Barreda reported that the Fleet poses too many problems, including traffic and security concerns, but Democrats said "thanks, but no thanks" for the suggestion.

"It would clearly be easier if this convention would be held in the new convention center," said Romney.

Romney told reporters he was not trying to embarrass the Democrats by suggesting that the new convention center in South Boston, expected to be completed in June, would be a much better venue for the Democratic National Convention than the FleetCenter at North Station.

Thousands of commuters come through North Station every day on their way in and out of the city. But come July, Romney said, the additional thousands coming for the convention is a recipe for gridlock and chaos.

"Given the fact that the FleetCenter is located in the hub of our transportation system, is above a train station, it's got subway stations around it, it's also got roadways very close to it, that by virtue of that location it's going to be disruptive for commuters and for people coming in and out of Boston," said Romney.

It is the Secret Service's plans for security around North Station that the governor said he is most concerned about because of the complexity of the area. But DNC officials are downplaying those concerns.

"I think you will see some impact around the FleetCenter, immediately adjacent to the FleetCenter and once those plans are finalized those plans will be made public everybody will know exactly what that impact will look like. That hasn't been done yet. Outside of the area immediately around the FleetCenter, I don't think there is going to be a tremendous impact for the people who live and work here and I think that's the way it ought to be," said DNC Chairman Rod O'Connor.

Admitting he can't do a thing about it, the governor told reporters he will cooperate, no matter where the convention is held.

"We're going to host this convention and we're not going to let the concerns of terrorism or the necessary security arrangements dissuade us from having a great convention in Boston," said Romney.