WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Democratic National Committee has chosen Denver to host the party's 2008 national convention, the committee formally announced late this morning.

Denver beat out other cities including New York for the right to host the party's presidential nominating convention that begins August 25 and runs through August 28. DNC Chairman Howard Dean cited the party's recent political successes made in the West as one of the reasons why he chose Denver for the convention site.

"There is no question that the West is important to the future of the Democratic Party," Dean said in a prepared statement. "The recent Democratic gains in the West exemplify the principle that when we show up and ask for people's votes and talk about what we stand for, we can win in any part of the country. Additionally, we have a number of strong Democratic leaders in the West who will be a part of showcasing the vision of Democratic leadership for America as we introduce the next Democratic President in the Rocky Mountains."

One of the leaders Dean is apparently referring to is Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, who Democratic sources tell CNN urged the DNC to pick Denver as the host city.

In an interview with CNN, Colorado Democratic Party Chair Patricia Waak said the party received two calls from the DNC this morning leading her to believe that Denver would be selected as the 2008 convention site. At that time, Waak said she expected an official announcement shortly.

The last time a Democratic convention was held in Denver was 1908, when the Democrats nominated William Jennings Bryan as their nominee for a third time. News that the DNC picked Denver was first reported by National Journal's Hotline.