Reid Wilson at HotLine on Call is reporting that the Republicans have narrowed their 2012 Convention choices to four cities: Tampa, Houston, Salt Lake City, and Phoenix. Let’s look at all four.
- Tampa: Florida is an important swing state whose 27 electoral votes we lost in 2008 by 3%.
- Houston: Texas is a solid Republican state with a high Hispanic population. It went to McCain by 11%.
- Salt Lake City: Utah is in the heart of the Inter-mountain West, a region vital to the GOP’s 2012 hopes. While Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming are solidly Republican; Colorado, New Mexico, and Nevada are not. They and their 19 electoral votes went to Obama in 2008 by more than 10%. We need to win them back in 2012.
- Phoenix: Arizona is still a fairly strong Republican state with a large Hispanic population. It went to McCain by 9%.
A couple of comments:
- We definitely want to do what we can to appeal to the Hispanic vote. However, while I can see how holding the convention in Houston or Phoenix might affect the Hispanic voters in the area of the convention, I don’t really see how that would help us that much with the Hispanic vote nationwide.
- 2012 appears to be a Republican year. If time bears that out, the close swing states such as Florida, Ohio, and Indiana should swing our way anyway. We will have a much steeper hill to climb with CO, NM, NV, and maybe even AZ.
What about infrastructure? Could the four mentioned cities provide the logistics to support a major event like the GOP Convention? Well, they all have excellent convention facilities, and each city has tens of thousands of hotel rooms. Phoenix has the largest Convention Center, with Houston as a close second. Salt Lake has the third largest, and Tampa has the “smallest” — if you can call a 600,000 sq ft facility with a 200,000 sq ft exhibition hall “small”.
Airports? Tampa handles 1M passengers a month, SLC handles 2M, Phoenix 3M, and Houston 4M.
What about recent experience in handling major events? Houston hosted the 1992 GOP Convention, and Salt Lake hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics.
If I were to handicap the race, I would say that Salt Lake City would be in the lead with Tampa Bay a close second.
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:23 pm
I would go with Tampa for the time aspect. I don’t think we really get much from a convention in SLC or TX…PHX might give us a boost, but then you have to play with the time aspect.
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:26 pm
SLC doesn’t make much sense, and I say that as someone living in Utah at the current time. You always want to hold the convention in either symbolic territory (NYC in 2004) or places that would seem to highlight the prospects of your party. Seeing as how Florida and Arizona are being hit harder than most as high-growth states, and both are loaded with Clintonites far more than pure liberals, these are just the folks we want to have on our side in Scott Brown style, if we want to win.
Utah isn’t exactly known as land of the moderates. And I don’t think it’s going to translate into much of a pickup in nearby states. Likewise for Houston. Florida and Arizona are our best bets.
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:27 pm
Go Tampa. The last time the GOP held it’s national convention in Florida, it was 1972 and we ended up winning 49 states in that election. Just saying. Plus, where do delegates want to be in July and August? Hot, dusty Phoenix, dry Salt Lake City or Houston or Tampa, the City on the Bay? Only 1.5 hours from Orlando and all the theme parks.
Come on RNC, we need to win Florida back in 2012. Pick Tampa.
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:28 pm
And besides marK, do you really want Romney attending his nominating conference in Salt Lake City?
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:30 pm
Could always have tried it here in Detroit – copy Reagan.
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:33 pm
I would say 1) Tampa 2) Phoenix 3) Houston 4) Salt Lake City
I agree that UT would be a bad place, sort of like the Democrats holding theirs in Providence, R.I. I do think we should not underestimate Phoenix, however. Within the next 6 years or so, I think it will be a genuine toss-up state, like Florida is now. We need to win back Florida, though first, starting w/ Rubio & McCollum in 2010.
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:36 pm
I believe that the location of a convention carries very little influence with regard to support for a particular party. This kind of speculation and rationale is an insider’s parlor game constructed around old, out-dated “rules of thumb.”
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:38 pm
Well – Florida is a swing state but don’t think that’s usually a huge consideration (seeing as 2004 and 2008 conventions were in solid blue states). Phoenix and Houston also good locales in and of themselves – big cities, nice facilities.
Normally I would say Salt Lake would be a novel choice. But, I’m a little bit worried about the optics considering that A) Mitt Romney ran the city’s olympic bid and B) it might not look great to have our first Mormon nominee accept the nomination a few blocks from the Mormon Temple. I’m not saying that I object to the concept of nominating a Mormon, but his religion raises a few hackles in certain segents of the population so I would avoid emphasizing the gradure of the Mormon Church during the convetion (like I said – it’s more a matter of optics than principle)
Then again, I personally think Palin is going to be the nominee – so in that case (or Huck, or Pawlenty, etc.) SLC would probably be my first choice. Just a little iffy about the optics on the chance that Romney is indeed the nominee.
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:39 pm
Please not SLC. The airport is tiny and if Romney is the candidate we’re going to hear stories about evangelicals picketing the SLC temple. I vote for Houston. Texas’ economy is humming along and its a major city. We haven’t had many hurricanes since the global temp started to drop, so it might be a good location.
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Personally, I think Denver would have been a better place than SLC, but since Denver is not on the list, SLC it is.
Good point about Romney accepting the nomination in SLC. The lefties would have go into spasms of apoplexy. It would be fun to watch, though.
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:44 pm
#7:
Cities love to host the conventions because it is a good boost to the local economy and a great way for a city to showcase itself to the rest of the country.
Of course it would be nice to know where the Democrats are thinking about holding their convention so we can plan accordingly. According to Wikipedia (not the most reliable source I know), Charlotte, Dallas, Colombus, Phoenix and Tampa are in the running, but Phoenix and Tampa are probably just focusing on the RNC right now.
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:44 pm
The whole Romney thing was a reason I favored Detroit (or more a way I made a case for my favorite)…I’m surprised nothing from OH is on that list.
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:46 pm
#10:
For Denver, wouldn’t it have been awkard though hosting the “throw Obama out” convention in the same city that Obama was nominated in four years earlier?
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:47 pm
7 – I think you’re right 90% of the time. However, there are a few instances where the hoopla around a convention helps swing the ocation into a certain column. This certainly seemed to be the case with Denver in 2008 (I’m originally from Colorado and remember the buildup). Not that the state wasn’t trending blue anyway, but it probably helped a little.
Another thing worth considering is that the Home state politicians will get a lot of airtime on stage. So, here are some potential things to thing about:
Potential Speakrs:
Houston: Gov. Rick Perry (possibly KBH), Sen. John Cornyn, Sen. Micahael Williams?
Phoenix: Sen. John McCain, Sen. Jon Kyl, Gov. ?
SLC: Sen. Orrin Hatch, Sen. Bob Bennet/Sen. Shurtleff, Gov. ?
Tampa: Sen. Marco Rubio, Gov. Bill McCullom, Former Gov. Jeb Bush.
I think Tampa wins on dignitaries
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:47 pm
Two things, I agree SLC is probably a bad place for the convention in 2012, especially if Romney is the
nominee.
In considering Tampa, you have to remember Orlando is only an hour away, so not only does
Tampa have the number of Hotels and Airport facilities, but Orlando Airport and hotels can
also be used.
My final Argument for Tampa, is I am here, and would love to attend some activities, especially
if Romney gets the Nomination.
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:48 pm
One more thing, the weather. Anybody who schedules a major convention in Houston or Phoenix in August deserves what they get. Tampa Bay isn’t that much better.
Of course the upside to the oppressive heat is we can watch the protestors wilt before our very eyes. That is if we could get the news media to cover them much. They are going to want to be inside with A.C. as much as everyone else.
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:51 pm
Actually, I think we’re looking at either late june or early July. The olympics always an issue…
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:51 pm
THE MORE I THINK ABOUT IT we need to be in the west we did badly in the west in 2008 so I say PHOENIX plus I heard the DNC might look in to the west city phoenix too!
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:51 pm
#16:
At least Tampa has the Gulf of Mexico for people to relax at. My only weather concern would be hurricanes. If the convention is held in July or early August, they shouldn’t be a problem, but the later we go, the higher the hurricane risk.
It also rains a lot around here during the summer time, so that could wash out any protestors who might want to cause trouble.
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:53 pm
Actually, Tampa doesn’t get near as hot as either Houstan or Phoenix. Rarely does it get over 90 degrees even in
the summer (however, August is Huracane season). When ever Tampa gets too warm, ran comes in from the gulf
and cools it off.
But, like I said, August is in the middle of Hurracane season, so that may require some consideration.
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:54 pm
also I heard RNC might Do convention as last as Last week in august or on or after labor day
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:54 pm
Is it too late to pick Boston? That would be a winner, with Scott Brown giving the keynote.
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:55 pm
Tampa has the high humidity that goes with the gulf, does it not?
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:55 pm
None of this is important to picking the best place to hold the GOP convention. The only thing that is important is which state will be able to provide the most fire hoses with the highest pressure for hosing the libs who will show up to protest.
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:55 pm
#21:
No, it wouldn’t be proper etiquette for us to host our convention so late. Since we are the party out of power, the Republicans have to hold our convention first and the Dem’s hold their convention later.
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:56 pm
not unless you think that Mass is going to be a swing state. We need Florida to go red in 2012, can’t win
without it (IMHO)
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:56 pm
Also, if its in SLC we’d almost certainly have to listen to Orrin Hatch speak, which I desire to avoid at all costs
Weather isn’t an issue. Florida is nice in the summer generally (I may be biased being from Atlanta, but most people even from colder climates tend to get along well in Florida), and our delegates are inside with the AC cranked up to the max anyways.
And all four of these locations can really get quite hot. Knowing SLC, it’ll probably be 100 degrees that week and by the next weekend we’ll building our igloos to live in until next April.
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:56 pm
specking of convention Do we invite former president George W to the convention or or will the lefties start blaming W for our 2012 convention
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:57 pm
#23:
The breeze from the Gulf helps moderate Tampa’s climate to some extent. It isn’t as bad as Orlando. The further inland you get in Florida, the worse the heat and humidity get since we don’t have the seabreeze to cool things down.
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:59 pm
About the same as Houstan, but the prevailing winds make Tampa Cooler than Tampa.
Phoenix is hotter than both of them, but has low humidity. Weather wise, SLC would be the best.
For entertainment, Tampa would be much better, as there is so much more for the delegates to do
here, and Florida could use the economic stimulas that the convention would bring. (not that the others don’t
also).
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:59 pm
Phoenix and Tampa are probably brown-nosing both parties right now. If memory serves, both Denver and Minneapolis put in bid for both conventions in 2008.
Personally I would have loved to have seen more cities in key swing areas (Milwaukee, Detroit, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Cincinatti, Cleveland, etc.) But I think cities have to put in bids – so we can only go to places that are interested.
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:00 pm
Well, as I said, the two cities I think most likely to get the convention are SLC and Tampa. I just don’t see Phoenix or Houston getting it.
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:01 pm
Do you WAIT To ANNOUNCE The city till after the DNC announce there city or is it best to announce first?
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:01 pm
Boston = Tea Party = Revolution = Scott Brown = Embarrass Obama. Perfect choice.
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:02 pm
Frankly, I think both Phoenix and SLC would be bad choices for different reasons. Houston is only
Slightly better, but Tampa knows how to entertain.
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:04 pm
Do you really think Boston would be willing to pony up for a bunch of Conservative Republicans.
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:12 pm
Do you WAIT To ANNOUNCE The city till after the DNC announce there city or is it best to announce first?
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:14 pm
#36:
Cities want money, especially now. It’s too late for Boston to make a bid, but if the convention dumps a lot of money into their economy, the city leaders would be more than willing to deal with even Republicans.
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:15 pm
no.
I say hold it like the third week of july – before the olympics – we can get the jump on the Dems that we missed last year.
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:16 pm
“Do you WAIT To ANNOUNCE The city till after the DNC announce there city or is it best to announce first?”
Well, the DNC hasn’t even set up a committee to look into possible convention sites yet. The RNC is way out ahead of them.
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:18 pm
Question: What are Salt Lake City’s laws concerning alcohol? If there are any real restrictions on the sauce, then SLC will definetly not get it.
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:27 pm
It’s past time for the party to re-solidify the West. Phoenix would harken back to the failed McCain campaign, though, so Salt Lake City is the logical place for the convention. It’s midway between Colorado and Nevada, the two states that most need to be shored up. Also, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah will all gain congressmen as a result of redistricting.
Florida would seem logical, except that it borders on thoroughly Republican states, and isn’t in play itself this year. So I’m not sure it nets us any real advantage. Go West Young Man, Go West!
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:40 pm
Considering Tampa has hosted the Super Bowl on four occasions — last year, 2001, 1991, and 1984 — they should be able to pull off a political convention without a problem.
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:46 pm
As someone who will in all likelihood be attending, I vote Tampa!
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:56 pm
Romney won’t be the nominee, so SLC won’t be a problem.
Still, Tampa’s easily the nicest city of the four. And it’s a swing state for goodness’ sake.
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:00 pm
Personally, I’m not crazy about using SLC. If Mitt Romney is the candidate, (and I believe he will be) let me just say I don’t think it would be a good idea, and I’ll stop right there. Let’s go with Tampa, and ensure we win Florida.
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:02 pm
#46:
Off thread, but Illinoisguy what is going on in your state? How long does it take to steal enough votes to decide who won?
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:07 pm
I really can’t see Salt Lake (which is a nice place, I’ve enjoyed my visits there) being on the same par with the others. Plus the Romney/Mormon question that was raised before (would Romney want it to be in SLC?)
Any of the other three could be good. Phoenix is incredibly hot, but I’ve been in Houston and Tampa in the summer, too, and the humidity makes those places just as unpleasant, if not more so.
I like the idea of being in the west, so I lean to Phoenix. Phoenix has done two or three Super Bowls plus a couple BCS championship games, plus having good convention facilities and an huge amount of hotel space (most of which is vacant in the summer) so this would be well within their capabilities.
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:07 pm
Don’t ask me…I live a long way from Chicago, so I don’t know everything there is to know about stealing votes. I’m in Texas right now, so don’t blame me what going on there.
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:07 pm
I believe this campaign will be run as a referendum on the economy. Phoenix is in 3rd place for most damage to its economy, behind Detroit and LV. House values have dropped moire than half, unemployment is at 9.+%. It’s economy is built on construction and tourism, both of which are likely to still be in the toilet in 2 1/2 years.
Downsides would be ties to McCain and Arpaio, proximity of immigration issues, 112 degree of dry heat.
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:09 pm
the people of Utah are very friendly, but three days at a party, no beer….is too much.
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:10 pm
Jonathan,
“Off thread, but Illinoisguy what is going on in your state? How long does it take to steal enough votes to decide who won?”
All but one of the outstanding precincts are in Cook county. Mayor Daley has solicited bids for the results on the remaining precincts. Bids will be collected tomorrow from all interested campaigns, unsealed tomorrow night, and the winning bidder will be awarded the remaining precincts Friday.
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:11 pm
Any reaction to the announcement that John Thine has scheduled a fundraiser to be headlined by Mitt Romney on Feb 19?
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/02/03/romney-to-raise-money-for-thune/?fbid=C-TccuAya3T
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:12 pm
Why not St. Louis? It’s middle America, and Missouri is sorta’ swingish, though trending red.
And Kris, there is plenty of beer there.
Speaking of beer and states we want to win….. there is also Milwaukee.
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:14 pm
still,
#53. That’s curious. I can’t imagine Thune needs any money for his Senate seat, so what are the two men after? Is one or the other backing away from Presidential aspirations? If not, why would Romney raise money for an iron clad seat?
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:14 pm
#52:
At least Mayor Daley is keeping things organized. Democrats down here just start suing their way into trying to steal elections, it gets to be a real mess.
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:16 pm
55 – That is indeed curious. Thune doesn’t need money, but Romney has no incentive to be helping him out if he’s going to run. Maybe there’s been some kind of backroom deal cut: Thune stays out, endorses Romney, campaigns for Romney, and gets a sweet spot in his inner circle later on.
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:16 pm
And as bad as many think it would be if Mitt were the nominee in SLC, can you imagine if the nominee was Huckabee in SLC?
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:20 pm
#53:
Maybe Thune is angling to try and angle to be Romney’s running mate? A Romney-Thune combo is actually a pretty good ticket; Thune could help in the Great Plains and the Midwest and is a smart, articulate, and conservative Senator.
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:24 pm
Jonathan,
“At least Mayor Daley is keeping things organized. Democrats down here just start suing their way into trying to steal elections, it gets to be a real mess.”
That’s just dumb. Nobody makes money but the lawyers then.
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:26 pm
Alex,
“Thune stays out, endorses Romney, campaigns for Romney, and gets a sweet spot in his inner circle later on.”
Or maybe even the reverse, if Romney doesn’t have the fire in the belly or Ann’s health doesn’t allow.
At any rate, it might suggest a nascent partnership, if not an alliance.
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:26 pm
My gut tells me it will be in Tampa, probably at the St. Pete Times Forum. It is great logistically, because it is right next to the Tampa Convention Center where all the auxiliary events could be held. Plus you have no less than 5 major hotels within a 5-6 block radius.
Also, whoever the nominee is wanted to pull an Obama, the speech could be given at Raymond James Stadium, which is only 15 minutes away.
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:27 pm
Jonathan,
Thune would also help bring along skeptical SoCons.
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:27 pm
still,
#58
Good point.
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:27 pm
It’s possible that Thune is being pre-emptive, simply endeavoring to keep potentially serious opponents out of the race. It’s not like South Dakota has never voted for Democrats.
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:31 pm
This place is weird. HotAirheads are pumping for Vegas. Me too.
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:31 pm
#60:
Florida Democrats just aren’t that good at stealing elections. Heck, in 2000 they couldn’t do it even with the Florida Supreme Court siding with them.
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:32 pm
“Also, whoever the nominee is wanted to pull an Obama, the speech could be given at Raymond James Stadium, which is only 15 minutes away.”
WOULD NOT be a bad idea – except that we get fireworks instead of a balloons.
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:32 pm
57. I think we are seeing an association of people who are willing to be known as being of like mind. Imagine the ads and endorsements from Bob McDonnell, Chris Christie, Scott Brown, John Thine, Jim DeMint, and Eric Cantor to name a few.
I don’t have the sense that this is about any quid pro quo for Thune, other than to be a FOM at some time in the future. I do suspect it signals that Thune doesn’t anticipate a run in 2012 at this point.
The larger issue may be that the people inside the party, who are trying to rebuild the brand, are trying to keep the vacuum from being filled by the some of the more unpredictable elements of the party. Thune, though he has influence/leadership in the congress, isn’t seen as co-opted by the establishment. These all feel like people that help Romney position his messaging. These are all really strong guys who will vouch for him as the campaign cranks up.
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:35 pm
#68:
No there has to be a balloon drop. Republicans always beat the Democrats in balloon drops, it’s one of the undisputed facts of politics.
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:44 pm
#57, that’s the way I’m reading it!
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:47 pm
65. It may be about keeping people out of the race, but maybe not where you imply. It may work very well as the young strength of the party signalling others from entering the presidential race, or of signalling to well-healed contributors where they think the money should be directed. Either way, it signals a trend of consolidation on some level.
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:47 pm
Tampa b/c of VP nominee Rubio! Also Bill Nelson will be up for reelection in 2010, and it’ll give the GOP candidate a good platform.
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:51 pm
The other advantage to Romney is the proximity to Iowa, and the future endorsement of a highly respected fellow socon. As a move on the political chessboard, this one is better than Obama sending Huntsman to China.
February 3rd, 2010 at 6:02 pm
Simplest explanation is Romney has a book coming out, he needs socon support to buy his book, he helps Thune out, Thune helps him out.
February 3rd, 2010 at 6:19 pm
Thune endorsed McCain in 2008. I expect McCain will endorse either Pawlenty or Romney in 2012. I know McC and Romney didn’t get along in the primary, but things have definitely changed, especially as they form the moderate wing in large part. If McC endorses Romney, I suspect Thune will do that also. Romney is building up an impressive list of support, and w/ VERY deep pockets, he may very well sweep the primaries in 2012, especially, if as I suspect, Palin does not run.
February 3rd, 2010 at 6:35 pm
The biggest threat to the Republican resurgence and taking back control of Congress and the WH is fragmentation in the GOP, not anything the Dems can do.
The Dems are stuck with their record and circumstances now. Their unemployment projections are purely wishful thinking. The unimaginable amounts of money they’ve wasted on cronies and special interests as an alternative to real economy building. But if we ended up in a circular firing squad, we will never get the opportunity to correct the problems.
Early consolidationf the right kind, may head off some of the fragmentation.
February 3rd, 2010 at 6:40 pm
I could envision Governor Palin being crowned the nominee in Tampa and choosing home State hero Marco Rubio as her running mate. I could also envision Mitt ascending to the nomination in SLC with a packed convention hall serenaded by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir – could be very moving. I could also envision John McCain passing the torch so to speak to the nominee in Phoenix. All compelling locations – my original choice was Los Angeles with the Reagan Library serving as an foundational anchor and destination for historical ruminations and meditation for the candidates.
February 3rd, 2010 at 6:48 pm
It’s Florida thanks for playing.
February 3rd, 2010 at 6:52 pm
I still can’t believe that not a single New England state was in consideration. Boston had the DNC back in ’04 and was hugely successful for the region. Having the RNC in Boston would clearly send a message that New England will no longer be a barren wasteland to the GOP. Especially after we just elected Scott Brown, who will be running for his first full term in 2012.
February 3rd, 2010 at 7:24 pm
Why not Denver?
February 3rd, 2010 at 8:45 pm
If there’s any chance at all our nominee could be either Huckabee or Romney, SLC would be a terrible location, it’d drum up religious overtones unecessarily. Not to mention, even if it were Palin or Pawlenty, Utah Mormons aren’t exactly a vote we need trending in our direction for 2012, since they are already by and large Republican.
New England/the northeast, perhaps somewhere in Pennsylvania, would be a good choice.
Any place that went for Hillary over Obama in the Dem primaries last year is a good pick. It has just the right demographics for party growth that we need to latch onto, that Scott Brown took to the bank in Massachusetts for his win.
Given the current bids I’d pick Florida, but Arizona would also be good I feel.
February 3rd, 2010 at 8:46 pm
Denver did Obama in ’08, its too soon afterwards to be trying that.
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:34 pm
I would have picked Cleveland…out of those 4, i’d go with either Tampa or Phoenix with TB getting the nod but really houston and SLC? they shouldn’t even be in the running, let alone be in the final fout.
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:42 pm
How about Staten Island?
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:39 pm
Sunny Florida, it will be.
The Senator Marco Rubio hosted event!
Good times for all.
February 4th, 2010 at 12:08 am
Should consider Wisconsin, Michigan or Ohio – all three are suddenly in play, and nearby states (IL/IN) may still be out of reach but will probably require a lot more of the Dems resources this time around. Former union members (former because mfg has left for good) are the new (very angry) independents here…
February 4th, 2010 at 8:33 am
Salt Lake City = Little Rock
Both beautiful but come on!
February 4th, 2010 at 10:36 am
There is a zero chance the convention will be in SLC as long as Romney is a potential candidate. Personally, I would also recommend against Houston or any site in Texas because the party needs to move past the association with George Bush and the “cowboy” image. Either Tampa or Phoenix would be a fine choice.
February 4th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
Salt Lake City would be an ideal place to signal a Republican Party emphasis on returning to the conservative and moral values that need to be our foundation.
February 4th, 2010 at 4:38 pm
Las Vegas Baby
February 4th, 2010 at 4:58 pm
Holding the convention in Salt Lake City may not help Republicans in other states, but it would
help in Salt County, which narrowly went for Obama in 2008. The current congressman representing
most of Salt County is a Democrat, Jim Matheson. Holding the convention in Salt Lake would
energize local Republicans and could get a Republican elected from Utah’s 2nd Congressional District.
February 5th, 2010 at 1:10 am
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