Updated

Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell (search) was tapped Tuesday as one of a handful of officials who will chair the Democratic National Convention (search) later this month in Boston.

Rendell, the former Democratic National Committee chairman, will co-chair the convention with Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle of South Dakota and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California. New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson is serving as permanent chairman of the 2004 convention, and Sen. Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts is honorary chair.

"This year's convention theme, 'Stronger at Home, Respected in the World,' says a great deal about what the Democratic Party stands for and what the Kerry-Edwards team represents," Rendell said in a statement Tuesday. "It demonstrates the hope and leadership Kerry-Edwards offers our country this critical election year."

The Democratic convention will be held July 26-29.