GOP picks Cleveland, boosting Philly’s chances for a convention
The Republican Party has selected Cleveland for its 2016 national convention, which could be good news for Philadelphia’s quest to land the Democratic one.
Philadelphia had already made the Democrats’ list of six cities under consideration, which included Cleveland. Since the Democratic National Committee has an exclusivity clause saying that it won’t go to a city hosting the Republicans, the GOP’s announcement means that one of Philadelphia’s rivals is out — leaving just four more to beat.
Kevin Washo, a strategist for the local host committee Philadelphia 2016 said in a phone interview his crew is focused on a visit frmo the Democratic site selection committee next month.
“That will be a huge step to show the DNC why they should choose Philadelphia, why Philadelphia would be the ultimate delegate experience for 2016, and we’re really building for that site visit,” Washo said.
Philadelphia’s host committee also has to raise tens of millions of dollars to impress the Democrats with a financial package. Others contenders include Columbus, another city in the swing state of Ohio, along with Brooklyn, Phoenix, and Birmingham, Alabama.
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