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.
The burning river will add ambiance too
I’ve already picked out the perfect Romney campaign music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgOynf0k7rs
DoodleDawg wrote:
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Given past convention history it’s probably for the best:
2012 Tampa, FL Lost the state
2008 Minneapolis, MN Lost the state
2004 New York City Lost the state
2000 Philadelphia, PA Lost the state
1996 San Diego, CA Lost the state
They probably didn’t give it to Dallas because they didn’t want to take the chance of losing Texas.
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Wow, now that is fascinating info... And it goes to show the RNC hasn’t had a clue how to effectively run a convention in nearly 20 years. But, hey, maybe this time they’ll truly excite Ohio voters and win over the critical swing state with another slate of squishy, uninspiring, moderate keynote speakers like John McCain, Mitt Romney, John Boehner, Rob Portman, and Bob Dole. Ah can’t hardly wait, y’all!
Are there parts of Cleveland that I wouldn't venture into? Of course! But that goes for any American big city.
I'll join my fellow Freepers in disparaging the RNC and their recent track record, but don't make a fool of yourself comparing Cleveland to Detroit.
The little fueling depot closed after the Lorain pellet terminal was built. Steamers no longer needed to snake their way up river and with the advent of 1,000 footers, the river became an impediment.
The old steamships were 75 feet wide and initially, 750 feet long, allowing them to transit the Welland Canal. The big girls are 105 feet wide and carry three times as much ore or coal.
I thought for sure that Dallas would get it.
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By 2016, Dallas will be firmly under UN control because of the supersaturation of the illegals, which the UN says we must call “refugees”.
BLUE CITY/VERY BLUE COUNTY/ light blue state!
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Makes it easier for the GOPe to blend in with the rest of the Uniparty.
Why do they hate the south?
Allow me to clarify my statement. I will join my fellow freepers in rightly criticizing the RNC and the Republican elites in regard to forcing poor candidates upon us and capitulating to Obama, but in response to a poster upthread, Cleveland is nowhere near the “hell hole” as he termed Detroit.
The spin on why Cleveland got it instead of Dallas is Dallas had other things going on in June, so the hotels and American Airline Center wouldn’t be available until July.
The RNC wants it in June, so they can have more time to collect more money after the convention for whomever the nominee will be.
So, as usual, it’s all about the $$$.
its funny, I was in Cleveland close to 20 years ago doing a job and really liked the city. I was in the Shaker Heights region mostly and I sure met a lot of nice people.
But when I meet people from Cleveland and tell them how much I enjoyed the city they look at me like I am nuts. They all tell me the city has just gone to hell. Really a shame.
Where is the Tea Party having their convention?
Convention or no convention...
HA!
This Texan says Congratulation.....I was pretty sure that Cleveland would be chosen because of Ohio being a swing state. I agree the level of ignorance on this thread, as well of FR of late is mind boggling.
Dude, you've been in Maryland far too long. UN wants no part of Texas. They read what Sam Houston did to Santa Anna.
Why bother? Put the RNC in Africa where all the other RINOs live. Will there be a Tea Party National Convention?
Yes, you are correct in regard to the Democratic party having a choke hold on the city. Schools are still in very bad shape and the roads have potholes that could swallow your car. However, corporate leaders have stepped in to take the lead in the growth we’re seeing now. And I finally believe it’s being focused in the right area - the central core of downtown. Everything is in walking distance.
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