BOSTON -- The national press corps was in town Thursday to look over the FleetCenter and to let Democratic National Convention organizers brag about Boston's upcoming convention.

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Janet Wu Reports On Convention Meeting

NewsCenter 5's Janet Wu reported that there are bigger, broader issues that still need to be resolved, including money, security and how to sell a better message than the Republicans.

In 234 days, the Democrats will come to Boston and officially name their candidate for the 2004 presidential race.

"We're going to see a different convention this year, not the usual speeches by politicians. You are going to see color, spectacles, pizzazz," said DNC Chairman Bill Richardson.

The appeal of political conventions is dying and this may be the Democrats and Republicans last chance to convince the networks they can put on entertainment that voters will watch. But first, the city has to pay for it and pay for it now, and Boston's Mayor Thomas Menino, who is more than $25 million short, knows he's on the spot.

"You keep on writing that we've slowed down and it is failing. We are doing very well, " said Menino.

Gov. Mitt Romney has already said the state cannot add any money to the pot.

And then there is the gay marriage debate that is firmly focused on Boston. Democrats say if Republicans want to make gay marriage issue, they will do so at their own risk.

"I think they will do that at their own peril. But I think they are seeing their party portrayed as a party of intolerance," said Richardson.

Democrats are hoping the far right will push Republicans harder than the far left will push Democrats.

And for Bostonians who were hoping for a local coronation of one of their own, hopes are fading.

"Dean's on a roll, and anyone who doesn't admit that doesn't understand the business of politics," said Menino.

Another thorn in the city's side is unions. Menino must to resolve contract problems with the city's workers before the Democrats arrive on July 25. Every union's contract with the city has expired.