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Q&A Twin Cities outshone the Tampa Bay area

By Times Staff
Published September 28, 2006

Why wasn't the Tampa Bay area picked for the 2008 Republican National Convention?

Publicly, officials from the Republican National Convention said Minneapolis-St. Paul just put together the most attractive offer. But privately some GOP leaders told Tampa officials that the threat of hurricanes hurt the city's chances. Also, they were impressed with Minneapolis' convention center and said the financial package of the Twin Cities was very good. They listed security, the number of hotels and transportation systems as other factors considered when deciding.

Do we know how the competing cities ranked?

The Republican National Committee said it did not rank the other cities. When Tampa lost the 2004 convention to New York City, it was publicly acknowledged to have been the No. 2 choice.

What was the expected economic impact, and how much would it have cost?

Convention backers said the convention would bring $180-million in direct spending and $300-million in indirect economic benefit. They said the 15,000 journalists expected to cover the convention would give the city international exposure. But the estimated tab was big, too. The initial convention bid put it at $124-million, with $85-million from state, local and federal tax dollars. That was later trimmed to $64-million, with $24-million in tax money.

The area has lost out on the convention twice. Will it try a third time?

Only time will tell, but some local political leaders say another try is worth it. They aren't picky about which national event to go after. "We should attempt to attract any convention or any event of that size or magnitude that's going to showcase Tampa," said Tampa City Council member Kevin White. In a statement, Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio said, "We have all the assets necessary to host large-scale events and when we host special events, we shine."

Do Tampa leaders think something needs to change before trying again?

After losing out to New York for the 2004 convention, the city upped its number of hotel rooms. Leaders said this time they are at a loss to pinpoint what more the city could offer. Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan said the St. Pete Times Forum is "the nicest facility in the country," and the city's supply of hotels, restaurants and amenities was more than adequate.

Will this be the biggest event ever held in Minneapolis?

Close, but probably not. The city hosted Super Bowl XXVI in 1992, which drew 63,130 people. The convention is expected to bring about 50,000 people to the area.

Minneapolis also hosted the 2000 International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous, which drew about 50,000 people.

Who were the major players who helped Minneapolis secure the convention?

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak are both Democrats, but they were heavily involved in helping woo the Republican National Committee. Broadcasting and publishing magnates Stanley Hubbard and Vance Opperman led the effort to lure both the Republican and Democratic conventions and offered bipartisan boosterism. Greg Ortale, the president of the Greater Minneapolis Convention and Visitors Association, was also instrumental. U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman, viewed by many as a symbol of a Republican resurgence in Minnesota, presented the city's bid to the RNC.

Where will the 2008 Democratic National Convention be?

Democrats have not decided yet. The cities in the running were Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York City and Denver. After the Republicans chose the Twin Cities, the Democrats issued a statement saying they looked forward to working with the other two cities on their list.

[Last modified September 28, 2006, 00:56:18]