Should Philadelphia compete for 2016 Democratic convention?

Philadelphia U.S. Rep. Bob Brady has convened business and hospitality leaders for a meeting Wednesday to consider mounting a bid to host the 2016 Democratic presidential convention.

Brady had been interested in the 2012 convention, but the city stayed out of the competition, and it went to Charlotte, N.C., instead. Brady said he wants the people who would have to do the work and raise the money to get an idea of what it will take. 

“I got all the stakeholders, everybody that would be involved,” Brady said. “We’re going to be briefed by the people that did Charlotte. They’re going to let us know just what the logistics are. They’re going to give us the financials. You know, we’re going to put some money up.”

When political parties pick a host city, they look for a suitable convention venue, plenty of hotel rooms, and a multimillion-dollar financial incentive package.

Brady said the city might have to come up with $30 million from public and private sources.

To the extent that politics figures in the party’s decision, Brady said, “It’s not bad that the national Democratic chairperson is a personal friend of mine, Debbie Wasserman Schultz. We serve on the same committees together. And I’m understanding that we will be pushed to the top of the list.”

By that, Brady said he means Philadelphia is certain to get serious consideration. The city hosted the 2000 Republican National Convention, but hasn’t hosted the Democrats since 1948.

Mayor Michael Nutter says he’s very interested in the idea, but cost is a big issue.