What is wrong with the Denver local stagehands union? Do they have any idea how hated they will be if it turns out they are the sole hangup to Denver getting the convention?

The hang up is that the local stagehands' union is among labor groups that need to sign a no-strike agreement during the convention before the party of labor will consider Denver's bid. With Democratic Party Chairman Howard Dean expected to decided this week whether Denver or New York City -- a labor stronghold -- wins the convention, stagehands' union leaders want to use the must-have agreement to force the privately owned Pepsi Center to employ union contractors. The arena has already agreed to use union workers during the August 2008 presidential nominating bash.

Hey, stagehands. Sign the agreement and take up your own issues later. This isn't about you. It's about an opportunity for the whole of Denver.

Colorado Democratic powerbrokers are pressuring Jim Taylor, president of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local No. 7, to sign the agreement to avoid scuttling a convention that will bring 35,000 visitors, millions of dollars in revenue and cast an international spotlight on Denver and the state.

What's their excuse?

"The Pepsi Center has been unwilling to engage in a conversation with us," said Leslie Moody, president of the Denver Area Labor Federation. "The way this is being spun is we're holding this up. This is an issue the Pepsi Center could resolve." Moody said unionizing the arena was a legitimate issue to raise with a Democratic convention.

No it isn't. Pepsi Center has agreed to use union workers for the convention. That's all that matters. What a selfish move by the stagehands. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot.