GOP May Take Manhatten

New York Daily News ^ | 12-11-02 | Thomas DeFrank

[jjhunsecker]

GOP may take Manhattan

White House & Mike making nicer for convention

By THOMAS M. DeFRANK DAILY NEWS WASHINGTON BUREAU CHIEF

WASHINGTON - New York City is close to winning the prize of the 2004 Republican National Convention, the Daily News has learned, despite White House concerns that Mayor Bloomberg is not enough of a team player. Several GOP sources said that while President Bush has not made up his mind, both Bush and chief political strategist Karl Rove are leaning toward New York's bid.

"There's a general view among the President's political advisers that Bloomberg is a reluctant ally," a key Bush source said, "so it's a big bet to make. But I think New York is now in the pole position - in spite of the mayor's deciding he wants to tax everybody."

Another well-placed source urged caution, noting that Tampa and New Orleans are still in the hunt. "No decision has been made," he said.

Rep for being difficult

Rove recently told political allies that Bloomberg was an impediment to the city's winning its first Republican convention. He has a reputation around the White House for being "not as cooperative as he should be," one source alleged.

But sources told The News that a secret meeting between Rove and Bloomberg last week in New York - also attended by Chelsea Piers chairman Roland Betts, one of Bush's closest friends - was designed to clear the air by addressing White House concerns that the mayor is a prickly one-man band.

"They wanted to be reassured the convention will be a Bush show, not a Bloomberg show," one GOP source said.

"Hopefully, those concerns have been dealt with," the source added.

Some Bush aides still complain Bloomberg was needlessly difficult during the negotiations preceding the President's visit to the city for the first anniversary of the terror attacks.

"He didn't make it convenient for the President to come and pay his respects," one GOP official said.

Tampa is being pushed aggressively by Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, the President's brother. But some Bush aides worry that the choice would prompt massive demonstrations by Democrats alleging Bush stole Florida, and the presidency, in 2000.

New Orleans was seen as a safer choice, but a possible negative is that Louisiana reelected a Democratic senator last week.

New York, which has played host to several Democratic conventions, recently lost out to Boston for the party's 2004 gathering.

The GOP's host city decision will be made later this month in time for the Republican National Committee to rubber-stamp Bush's choice at its January meeting.

Originally published on December 11, 2002

[jjhunsecker]

Regardless of Mike Bloomberg this is the smart move. With the Democrats going to Boston instead of New York this would be a great goodwill gesture and help build on the post 9-11 Goodwill by Bush. The Democrats may have abandoned you but the GOP is here for you. It may help in the 2004 elction and enable Bush to make New York competitive and win.

[LurkedLongEnough]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/804613/posts

[Gigantor]

It's Manhattan.

Man Hat Tan

Would the moderator correct the title, please.

[holyscroller]

Wouldn't that be like a terrorist-attack magnet to have all the key Republicans in NYC at one time? Seems like some other major cities could be safer and easier to protect.

[Cobra64]

NYC is probably the safest city (at least from air attack) in the world right now. I live about 40 miles away near Bear Mtn. State Park. Military jets fly from Indian Point Nuke plant to NYC and back about every 15 minutes. So if you ever hear the Hildabeast ramble about Indian Point, she's full of shi'it.