Boston may reaffirm its title as the hub of the universe, if it wins the coveted right to hold the Democratic National Convention in 2000.

Boston, along with Denver and Los Angeles, is one of the three finalists left in the search for the lucrative and prestigious right to host the convention in 2000.

Each city has pledged $33 to $35 million in cash and services to attract the support of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), but the rewards are well worth the cost. The host city can expect to net over $150 million in direct spending, according to Howard Liebowitz, Boston's director of inter-governmental relations.

Now that all three cities have met the logistical criteria of the DNC, which include adequate housing, seating and transportation for upwards of 20,000 convention delegates, the decision has come down to "intangibles," said DNC spokesperson Tony Wyche.

Wyche refused to name a front-runner in the competition, adding that the decision is "coming down to minutiae."

"As of right now, we are in final negotiations. All three bring very strong proposals," he said.

At this point in the process, the factors in Boston's favor include the extensive efforts and enthusiasm of Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Massachusetts' "strong democratic heritage and tradition," Wyche said.

Another factor in the competition is the competing allegiances of the DNC's top decision-makers. The general chair, Roy Romer, is a former Colorado governor, while the national chair, Massachusetts native Steven Grossman, harbors a soft spot for Boston. Grossman has termed himself an "objective cheerleader," who is rooting for Boston in his heart but looking at the process objectively, according to Wyche.

In addition to financial rewards, the lucky host city can expect the attention of the international media, according to Liebowitz, which generates valuable exposure to businesses and students.

Hosting the first convention of the new millennium seems like a natural step for Boston, according to the mayor's office.

Boston has had a long, strong relationship with the Democratic party in the past century, Liebowitz said.

And the city has already implemented many of the major changes Clinton and Gore have proposed for America's future, including crime reduction measures and universal Internet access in schools.

The DNC will announce the location of the convention around the end of February, Wyche said.