October 14, 2005

Convention '08 Update

From today's Hotline:

As many as a dozen cities are preparing 2008 presidential convention bids, sources in both parties tell The Hotline. Republicans and Democrats and city officials in New Orleans had initiatied conversations with top RNC and DNC convention advisers before Hurricane Katrina. Those conversations have obviously not resumed post-Katrina, but sources inside the parties say that the Gulf Coast has acquired such a symbolic cachet that they remain open to the possibility of accepting late bids, or even a hybrid bid that would bring both conventions to a rebuilt city. One Republican familiar with the process: "It's not likely, but if it's viable, it'd definitely be considered."

Other cities who have communicated interest to the RNC: Anaheim, CA, Minneapolis-St.Paul, MN, Nashville, TN, New York, NY, Tampa, FL, and Miami, FL. Sources say Tampa has been the most aggresive so far. On the Dem side, "A limited number of American cities have the capacity and infastructure" to host, but only Denver has expressed serious interest so far, according to a source. [MARC AMBINDER]

Much more after the jump...

The Timing

Sources say that members of the RNC will approve the creation of a site-selection cmte at their winter meeting in 1/06. Cities which expressed interest to the RNC will be invited to make bids. In July or Aug of '06, the site selection cmte would announce finalists based on the bids. The cmte would visit the cities in Aug or Sep. of '06 and the RNC would deliberate on the bids throughout the fall and early winter. At the RNC winter meeting in 1/07, a host committee would be selected.
The DNC plans to send letters to cities this winter outlining the process and gauging interest. Based on the responses to those letters, the DNC will send a formal request for proposals in Feb. of '06. Cities will have until mid-summer to complete bids. The Dem. site selection cmte will make visits in the summer and early fall and will announce its selection after the election in '06.

The Critria

Sources familiar with the process in both parties say the criteria remain much the same as '04. They include a well-thought out bid, a great media market that can help create buzz and energy for the party; a city that has enough hotel rooms to house thousands of delegates and media; and a police infastructure that can handle security challenges. A city with a great story would also help. One unusual concern: the convention is held right in the middle of hurricane season. Miami and Tampa are said to be at a slight disadvantage because of the state's history with storms; Republicans recall that much of the FL delegation had to return home as hurricanes pounded the state as the GOP convention was revving up.

Posted at 02:55 PM

Comments

the dems should consider seattle. we westerners would be pleased to see politicians acknowledge our existence for a change, and the politicians should be happy to come to such a beautiful city.

interesting that the republicans are considering disneyland. about right for their grip on reality...

jami | 10.15.05 01:08 AM

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