Philip W. Johnston, chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, has been unanimously elected a vice chair of the 2004 Democratic National Convention platform committee. The national convention will be held July 26 – 29 in Boston.

“Phil's leadership will help ensure that this year's Democratic Convention will be the best in our party's history, which will in turn ensure that Democrats will be victorious in November,” said National Democratic Committee Chair Terry McAuliffe, following today's vote. The Platform Committee is responsible for drafting and recommending a proposed National Platform for approval at the Convention.

“It is an honor to be named vice chair of this important committee, which will meet throughout the next few months to develop a comprehensive and thoughtful document representing the values and views of the Democratic Party,” said Johnston. “All of Massachusetts is looking forward to hosting the 2004 national convention in Boston as we select Sen. John Kerry as the Democratic presidential nominee. It is a unique and important event for Massachusetts and I am proud to be a part of this process.”

Johnston has served as chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party since 2000. He is also president of Philip W. Johnston Associates, a consulting company he founded in 1996 that focuses on health care and human services issues for organizations such as hospitals, universities, community health centers, and charitable organizations. Mr. Johnston began his career in public service as a social worker for the state of Massachusetts. He was elected to the state legislature, served as secretary of Health and Human Services for Governor Michael Dukakis, and was appointed by President Clinton to serve as regional administrator for the New England Department of Health and Human Services.

Members of the National Convention Platform Committee also include Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack, Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington, Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, former Clinton administration National Security Advisor Sandy Berger, former LA Laker Earvin ‘Magic' Johnson, and Ann Lewis, former Clinton director of communications.

In addition, Sen. Jarrett Barrios (D-Cambridge) was elected to the Rules Committee for the national convention. The Rules Committee is responsible for proposing the Permanent Rules for the Convention, adopting the proposed Convention agenda and making recommendations of permanent Convention officers.

Dan Geldon, national vice president of the College Democrats of America (CDA) and a senior at Amherst College, was named to the national convention Credentials Committee. The Credentials Committee is charged with resolving any disputes over the selection of delegates and alternates to the Convention.