Tampa's convention bid gets tougher

By choosing Boston, Democrats leave New York City as a big competitor with Tampa to host the Republican convention.

By DAVID KARP, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published November 14, 2002

TAMPA -- The Democratic Party's decision Wednesday to hold its 2004 convention in Boston was a blow to New York City, which had hoped to host the gatherings of both major political parties.

But it could boomerang against Tampa.

Tampa leaders had hoped the Democrats would tap New York, making it unlikely that Republican officials would do the same when they decide their convention site next month. That would have left Tampa as the clear GOP favorite, with New Orleans a long shot.

"That would have taken New York out of play for us," said Paul Catoe, president of the Tampa Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg promised Wednesday his city would redouble its efforts to bring the GOP convention to Manhattan, which has never hosted the Republicans.

"Our plan is to kick it into high gear and continue to make our case to the Republican National Committee," said Jennifer Falk, the mayor's spokeswoman. "We remain optimistic we will make history."

Tampa's Al Austin, a major Republican Party fundraiser who is co-chairman of the local host committee, remained confident Wednesday about the area's chances. He said the Democrats' decision shouldn't affect what the Republicans do.

"I think we will win or lose on our merits," Austin said.

Supporters say Florida's pluses include its importance as a swing state in national elections and its link to Bush's brother, Gov. Jeb Bush, who was overwhelmingly re-elected nine days ago.

The governor strongly supports Tampa's bid, but when asked Wednesday if he plans to call the president to urge him to pull for the area, Bush chuckled and then shrugged.

"I guess I will," he said.

He said the decision ultimately rests with the RNC.

"I think they were impressed with the proposal," Bush said. "I trust them to make the right decision."

Tampa Mayor Dick Greco, a Democrat who campaigned for both Bush brothers, said the area's advantages include the low cost of its hotels, its beaches and its proximity to Disney World. The city could offer Republican delegates a weeklong vacation free of big bills and traffic jams, Greco said.

"I don't think there is a comparison," Greco said. "Ask yourself: Where would you rather live or take a vacation?"

But Greco acknowledged the perception that it might be hard for both parties to bypass New York, which suffered so much after the terrorist attacks.

Televised images of President Bush getting renominated in New York would appeal to voters nationwide.

"In New York, it is really about hope," said Jim McLaughlin, a Republican pollster whose clients include the Republican National Congressional Committee. "That is really where George Bush became president."

Although Republican presidential candidates usually don't carry New York, "the president's numbers here are just phenomenal -- and with a lot of traditional Democratic groups," McLaughlin said.

The GOP could use New York as a backdrop to broaden Bush's appeal and reinforce his leadership after the terrorist attacks, he said.

From the beginning, RNC officials have said the decision will be based largely on money. Tampa's host committee promised to raise $50-million for the GOP, with about $20-million coming from public money. New York pledged to raise $71.5-million for the GOP, all from private money.

Money was a key consideration for the Democrats, too.

When he announced the party's decision, DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe said Boston "put together the most solid bid in every possible way."

The city pledged $20-million from private donors, which McAuliffe said was "the first time a city ever put money on the table before being awarded the convention."

Boston leaders also guaranteed the remaining $49.5-million cost of the convention.

"Boston went all out for it, and they really wanted it," said Jennifer Duffy, an analyst with the Cook Political Report. "That is why I think it might all come down to economics."

-- Information from the Associated Press, New York Times and Times staff writers Lucy Morgan and Alisa Ulferts was used in this report.

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