Platform would rouse economy, DNC is told

DENVER, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- A platform that would jump-start the economy and address healthcare and energy was outlined Monday for Democrats during their party's convention in Denver.

For the first time, the platform process was open to anyone wanting to participate, Patricia Madrid, Platform Committee co-chairwoman and New Mexico attorney general, told participants at the Democratic National Convention.

The resulting platform "represents their concerns and their hopes," Madrid said of the 1,600 platform meetings conducted across the United States and attended by 35,000 people.

The platform "will jump-start the economy, (provide) energy rebates and keep families in their homes," she said.

In addition, the Democratic platform proposes to invest in clean technology and "world-class education" and infrastructure, she said.

"We will end the outrage of healthcare that is not affordable and not available to everyone," Madrid said of the platform, saying it would also preserve Social Security benefits.

The Democratic platform will "free this nation from the tyranny of foreign oil," she said.

"We also pledge that (prospective Democratic presidential nominee Sen.) Barack Obama will bring the change we need to renew American democracy," Madrid said.