Denver, Colorado - The Colorado Democratic Party announced today that U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will be the keynote speaker for the 74th Annual Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner on March 3, 2007.

On January 4, 2007, Nancy Pelosi was elected Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the first woman to be Speaker in our nation's history. In the fall of 2002, Nancy Pelosi was overwhelmingly elected by her colleagues as Democratic Leader of the House of Representatives. Before being elected Leader, she served as House Democratic Whip for one year and was responsible for the party's legislative strategy in the House. Since 1987, Nancy Pelosi has represented California's Eighth District in the House of Representatives.

"We are pleased to host Speaker Pelosi," said Colorado Democratic Chair, Pat Waak. "Her extraordinary leadership is evident in the passage of major legislation during the first 100 hours of the Congress to restore honesty and openness in government, re-establish fiscal responsibility, strengthen our national security, and give more Americans a realistic shot at the American Dream."

The Colorado Democratic Party will also be honoring Colorado's House Majority Leader, Rep. Alice Madden as the Democrat of the Year and former State Senator Peggy Reeve for the Lifetime Achievement award. Rising Star awards will be presented to Colorado Representative Dan Gibbs and La Plata County Commissioner Joelle Riddle. Donna Young and Roger Ratcliff will receive the Volunteer of the Year award. A special Chair's Award will go to Pat Stryker and Tim Gill.