Channel Nine spoke with local Republicans and members of the national party, in town for the winter meeting, about our chances of landing their 2016 national convention.

The banners have arrived at the Westin Hotel ... and so have big-name Republicans.

We saw former presidential candidate Newt Gingrich getting into a car heading out into Uptown Charlotte.

So what would it take to get them all back here in 2016 for their national convention?

"The key would be a local volunteer committee," said Republican City Councilman Warren Cooksey, who worked with one to try to lure the RNC in 2000.

But no such committee exists yet.

"So for 2016 , the RNC will be decided in 2014, which means this year we need a committee to step up to start laying the foundation," said Cooksey.

Republican officials say they want a list of interested cities by the end of this year, and will form a site-selection committee in 2014.

That is why North Carolina GOP Chairman Robin Hayes said he will promote Charlotte to decision-makers all week.

"It has always been on my mind, and what better place than Charlotte? There has been one here already. We have the facilities to handle it," said Hayes.

But it would take support from more than just locals.

National Committeeman Mark Willis of Maine, who announced he will try to unseat Reince Priebus as the Republican National Committee chairman this week, says Charlotte has a proven track record.

"I would take a look at Charlotte," says Willis, "Charlotte has got a leg up in some ways because you have already held a convention, so the infrastructure is here. So that's a plus."

Wednesday night, Gov. Pat McCrory will host a reception for Republican leaders. As former mayor of the Queen City, no doubt he will also be pushing Charlotte as a candidate to host the Republican National Convention in 2016.