Here we go again.
Another presidential convention beckons: summer of 2012. Once again Tampa, a two-time bridesmaid, is a finalist for a mega, high-profile Republican gathering that could bring in as many as 50,000 delegates, politicians and media. Once again this city’s “Mr. GOP,” fundraiser extraordinaire Al Austin, is chairing the bid committee. Tampa lost out to New York in 2004 and to Minneapolis-St. Paul in 2008. Salt Lake City and Phoenix are the competition this time.
So, what’s different now? The city is less amenity-challenged; downtown is more attractive. Less formidable competition. Zero city money will be involved. And Florida has a Republican governor who is on the case to deliver a major economic-impact event to his home, battleground state.
In fact, Gov. Charlie Crist has already cut a video touting Tampa to the Republican National Committee. Recall Crist’s Miami-enamored predecessor who, for all his Beltway connections, did nothing for Tampa in its previous bids. Thanks again, Jeb!
And who knows? If Tampa’s bid is successful, the governor’s role could even wind up on a “Crist For Senate” campaign brochure.
The site-selection committee will be here soon, possibly in April. A final decision will be made by early summer. Well before hurricane season.