Posted on 07/08/2014 9:07:07 AM PDT by chrisser
CLEVELAND, Ohio – Capping off a months-long lobbying effort, Cleveland will be the host of the 2016 Republican National Convention.
Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus announced Cleveland as the location on the Fox News Channel in a live, on-air interview. The interview was immediately preceded by a tweet, which has since been deleted, from a spokesman for the Republican Governors Association.
"We're excited about bringing the convention to Cleveland in Ohio, and we're excited about the decision. We think it's a smart decision," Priebus said.
Cleveland edged out Dallas, the other finalist, as the recommended location for the convention, giving the city an opportunity to strut its stuff to a national crowd while placing Ohio even more firmly in the political spotlight for the upcoming presidential election.
"I think it's great," said Rob Frost, the Cuyahoga County Republican Party Chairman. "I'm really excited to welcome our Republican colleagues from around the nation to Cleveland in 2016. I think this convention will really elevate Cleveland in the eyes of the nation, and elevate Republicans in the eyes of Cleveland."
Now that the recommendation from the Republican National Committee's site selection committee is in, negotiations with Cleveland officials are expected to begin shortly. A press conference will be held later this afternoon.
The courtship with the national GOP dates back to at least February, when the city submitted its bid. Cleveland was selected a week later as one of eight contenders.
The RNC narrowed the list to four in late May, and on June 25 picked Cleveland and Dallas as the two finalists to host the event.
And last week, RNC officials visited Cleveland to assess "creative ways" to make the city's bid work.
Conventions can be significant economic generators for a city. One study showed that the 2012 GOP convention pumped more than $200 million into the Tampa and Florida economies. That convention drew roughly 50,000 visitors.
Cleveland's convention pitch was rooted in political geography and in a downtown renaissance that leaders said occurred after the city lost its bid for the GOP's 2008 convention. Since that audition, Cleveland has added more hotel rooms and a new convention center.
It's also believed that the expected June availability of Quicken Loans Arena, which will host floor events for the convention, played a role.
Fundraising is another key consideration, and local boosters have estimated that Cleveland will need to raise $55 million to $60 million to cover the costs of hosting.
Boosters are also working to lure the 2016 Democratic National Convention, although officials have said it is highly unlikely the city could host both events.
No apologies necessary; it looks like a dude’s screen name, unfortunately.
Good points all about Perry.
This is going to force a substantial number of hookers to have to travel to Cleveland for the 2016 RINO convention. /s
I don’t have to.
I showed my superior intellect by using you as a foil and showing to all that you are ignorant as to what you speak.
As for your money. Cleveland doesn’t need it. However, I am sure the waiters and waitresses feel lucky to miss your 10 cent tips.
I think you should keep your dime. Perhaps you can use it to educate yourself. I can’t be expected to educate your ignorance for free forever.
Having the ‘12 convention in Tampa worked so well in that swing state!
I know where the Justice Center is. Going around Public Square is a pain in the ass. It’s not the traffic that makes it unkempt. It’s the lack of maintenance. How are they going to maintain a larger green space when they can’t even pull the weeds around the Civil War memorial?
So if Euclid now has bus only lanes and they’re getting rid of the RTA bus stops on the square, where are these people riding to? Ride the rapid to Tower City and then not be able to catch the loop bus on the square...hmmm. It’s a stupid idea now matter how much you spin it.
I imagine the big speakers will be
I challenge any of you nay-sayers to come to the city. Let us provide an itinerary and suggestions from those of us who actually enjoy all Cleveland has to offer, for a few days. Tell us what you are looking for in your mini-vacation, and it will be no effort to give you specific suggestions to assure a quality, safe vacation.
FL voted in 1976 for its popular neighbor, GA Jimmuh.
If this is a Jebbie or other RINO fest, for the first time in my life since the age of twelve, I will not watch a Republican convention.
I have to disagree.
The busses should be diverted to behind Tower City to West Prospect and East Bound traffic should be diverted to Huron Rd. Both are little used now. West bound traffic should be diverted to E. 6th and Mall Dr. Both can be expanded to three lanes all one way North to St. Clair. West 3rd and West 6th traffic should be one way Southbound Back to Detroit/Superior. No problem at all. It will take some getting used to, but the square can then be completely repurposed as a front Yard for the City. The Quads can be made into one large city park.
As for the Justice Center. It is on Lake Rd. Take the Shoreway.
Who is complaining.
As for your tip. Just as I suspected. A tightwad!
As a North Texan, I was happy Cleveland was picked. Less traffic and commotion here, less of a target for the bad guys.
Rose colored glasses...
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