Companies stump their stuff in Denver

0 Comments | USA TODAY, August, 2008 | by Laura Petrecca

The political partying has started.

The Democratic National Convention opened Monday in Denver. Next week, the Republicans get underway in St. Paul. And marketers -- seeing a chance to reach tens of thousands of delegates, government and party officials, volunteers and spectators -- are putting on their party hats, too.

General Motors, for instance, will provide hundreds of cars to both parties. GM, a convention car donor since 1980, is providing for the first time this year all gas-electric hybrids or E85 flex-fuel vehicles (85% ethanol fuel). The goal: highlight GM's more eco-friendly technology.

"If you look at the makeup of convention attendees and delegates ... these are some of the most influential people in the country. They are opinion and...