Tampa got the nod to host the 2012 Republican Convention, beating out its rival cities of Phoenix, Arizona and Salt Lake City, Utah.
On Wednesday, members of the Republican National Committee site selection committee voted unanimously to hold their week-long convention during the week of August 27, 2012 in Tampa, reports Politico.
“We are honored and privileged to accept the bid from Tampa, Florida to host the Republican National Convention in 2012,” RNC Chair Michael Steele said in a statement. “The Tampa area boasts state-of-the-art facilities, exciting and vibrant downtowns, and a clear enthusiasm from the community to host our convention. We look forward to joining our compatriots in the Sunshine State for our convention in 2012.”
The decision to select Tampa was made in part given the better hotel accommodations near the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa and a better financial bid, reports Politico.
“We look forward to welcoming Republicans from all over the country to Tampa Bay in 2012,” said Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp. “They’ll soon learn what nearly 18 million Floridians already know, that our state is blessed with incredible beauty, great people and many amazing things to experience including our stunning beaches, world class golf courses and great family attractions”. He added, “The RNC Convention will be an opportunity for the Sunshine State to shine even brighter”.
