Tampa, Florida to Host 2012 Republican National Convention

The Republican National Committee today announced its host city for the 2012 Republican National Convention: Tampa, Florida.

The convention is scheduled for the week of August 27th, 2012. Tampa beat out two other finalists, Phoenix and Salt Lake City.

Florida, which boasts 27 electoral votes, is a key swing state that Republicans hope will help their presidential nominee defeat President Obama in his campaign for a second term.

Mr. Obama won the state in the 2008 election.

"We are honored and privileged to accept the bid from Tampa, Florida to host the Republican National Convention in 2012," said RNC Chairman Michael Steele in a news release, lauding the city's facilities and a "clear enthusiasm from the community to host our convention."

According to the release, the RNC's site selection committee "looked at a several factors including the number and proximity of hotels, capacity of the arena to hold the convention, transportation, security, media work space, convention office space, and the ability to finance the operation."

The decision to hold the conference in Florida means that voters in the state will be awash in coverage of the GOP and its nominee at a crucial time in the 2012 campaign cycle.

Phoenix's bid for the conference may have been hampered by the passage of a controversial immigration law that has generated nationwide protests. Salt Lake City, meanwhile, sits in solidly Republican Utah, and a convention there would have been less likely to swing electoral votes in the state.

The RNC still must formally approve the recommendation at its August meeting in Kansas City, Missouri, though that is essentially a formality.

In 2008, Republicans held their convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul in hopes of putting Minnesota into the red column. The state's voters ultimately sent their electoral votes to Mr. Obama.

[barracuda100]

We are so siked to have the RNC visit our wonderful town here in Tampa. I certainly hope to do lot's of business moving the participants around town. http://barracudatravels.com is the name of our Shuttle Service. Check us out!!

[MerrellObrian]

This isn't news to a Florida resident. The only reason they didn't chose Jacksonville is because the Republican electorate is embarrassing to the party. Tampa used to be, 15 years ago, tolerant and very gay-friendly. I left Tampa and moved around a bit landing in Jacksonville. In the last 15 years, the cancer of Repressionists (AKA "Conservatives") has taken Tampa. However, GAINESVILLE has become a powerhouse for liberal values! Once neglected, Gainesville is who handed the election to Obama in Florida DESPITE TAMPA! The best counter-strategy against this Repressionist move is to set up camp in Gainesville-Orlando. It's more central and available to more cities than Tampa. The Repressionists need to retake ground if they hope to win. Having the convention where most already agree with you? Well, this is a great indicator of how things are continuing downhill for the Repressionists. FLORIDA went to Obama in 08. FLORIDA will go to Obama in 2012. That's the only reason I wish I might stay until then but, FORGET IT...there are things needing to be done in Oregon. Good luck, Dems! Keep taking new ground but take no prisoners

[pasmalltown]

Why didn't the GOP didn't consider Phoenix number "one" on their list.... seems they too, wish to avoid tackling the immigration problem? Maybe they'll reconsider in Aug after "measuring" the overall "effectiveness" of the new law....Betcha McCain is disappointed, to be "boycotted" by his own party. Wonder if he'll get back on FOX News to complain about the RNC "hurting innocent, hard working people"?

[us_1776]

Yes, the last time the GOP held a convention in Florida they nominated Nixon and Agnew. Of course we know how badly that story turned out.

Tampa will now have to put up with the parade of ultra-right-wing nitwits that have taken over the Republican party.

This is not your father's Republican party by a long shot.

Have fun Florida, the Ultra-Right-Wing Circus is coming to town.