Cleveland will be the home of the Republican National Committee convention in 2016. The Ohio city was in contention with Dallas for the political honors. Ohio is an important swing state, but many are already questioning the logic behind the Cleveland RNC decision. While the northern metropolitan area is one of the three largest cities in the Buckeye State, it has long been known as a bastion for Democrats and liberal-leaning organizations.
Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus announced that Cleveland beat Dallas to host the 2016 presidential convention earlier today. “We’re excited about bringing the convention to Cleveland and Ohio. It’s a smart decision,” Priebus said.
Both Cincinnati and Ohio’s first capitol, Chillicothe, have a much more solid GOP voting record. Dayton and Columbus also have garnered far more support for Republican presidential candidates in the past as well. Reince Priebus noted the “downtown renaissance” going on in Cleveland and the extension plans and welcoming demeanor the Ohio city has offered to attract GOP presidential candidates. Perhaps an up close and personal look (and listen) for the Oval Office contenders will sway votes in the area before the next election.
The recommendation for the Republican National Committee convention location will be voted upon by the selection committee in August. The prospective start date for the RNC convention will be either July 18 or July 28, 2016. The exact date of the political convention will also be written in stone after the GOP selection committee meets.
GOP chair Reince Priebus also added this about the Cleveland convention decision, “We couldn’t be more excited. It’s a city that’s on the rise.” Ohio GOP lawmakers are very excited about their state being chosen to play host to the Republican presidential candidates. Priebus also acknowledge the political importance of Ohio in the selection. The budget for the event was also reportedly one of the top criterion for RNC selection committee members.
Ohio Senator Rob Portman said:
“This is great news for Cleveland and our entire state. It’s a unique opportunity to showcase the new Cleveland as one of America’s greatest cities, and to bring dollars and jobs to Ohio.”
The economic boon such a weeklong convention can be for a city was one of the primary reasons why so many metropolitan areas were vying to be the host location. Earlier bids to host the RNC convention were eliminated from Columbus, Cincinnati, Denver, Kansas City, Las Vegas, and Phoenix.
What do you think about the RNC convention Cleveland decision?
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