Phoenix asked to submit bid for 2008 GOP convention

jenna2891 · February 16th, 2006, 08:06 AM

i really hope it is held in phoenix.

Quote:

Phoenix asked to submit bid for 2008 GOP convention

Mike Sunnucks
The Business Journal

Phoenix is among a number of cities in the running for the 2008 Republican National Convention.

The Republican National Committee on Wednesday asked 31 cities to present proposals for hosting the party's national convention before the 2008 presidential election.

The list includes Phoenix as well as a host of other cities, including Orlando and Tampa, Fla.; St. Louis; Los Angeles; Kansas City, Mo.; Denver; New Orleans; Dallas; and San Diego.

New York hosted the 2004 GOP convention, beating out Tampa. The Democrats convened in Boston for their 2004 convention.

Phoenix could have some advantages in the selection process. Arizona Sen. John McCain is mulling a run for the White House in 2008 and the Republican is a leading presidential candidate.
The Phoenix Civic Plaza convention center is also being expanded and more hotel rooms are slated to be constructed in downtown Phoenix. There are also more regional amenities with the construction of sports stadiums and new hotels in Glendale, to go along with Valley's existing resorts in Scottsdale.

However, a Phoenix bid must overcome the desert heat. Final dates of the GOP 2008 convention have not been set but they are usually held in August or early September when local temperatures are still above 100 degrees.

The state's congressional delegation is dominated by Republicans, with the GOP holding 8 of 10 seats but Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano and Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon are Democrats.

Napolitano is up for re-election in November. The GOP is scheduled to pick a convention site in February 2007, the RNC said Wednesday.