Charlotte invited to bid on 2016 RNC

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Next week Charlotte leaders will discuss if they want to make a bid for the 2016 Republican National Convention.

Mayor Pat Cannon discussed it with state Republican leaders Wednesday after getting a letter from the RNC asking them to make a bid.

"We have to weigh if we have the appropriate resources," Cannon said. "Pay close attention to what this proposal is calling for to see if it's something we want to pursue."

Hotels would almost immediately have to commit large blocks of rooms for fall 2016.

Charlotte Republicans said it's all up to the city, for now.

"If the city decides to submit a bid we are behind them all the way," said Brad Overash, Mecklenburg County GOP chairperson. "We will push it as hard as we can."

One thing they need is a prominent Republican to be the face of all this.

Gov. Pat McCrory's name came up but his office wouldn't comment Thursday.

Charlotte has stiff competition against major cities like Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and Atlanta.

Republican leaders in Washington, D.C. said Thursday Charlotte is on the list because the city proved it can do it and the city is important in presidential elections.

"There is a lot more that goes into it than whether or not a state is a swing state," said Ryan Mahoney, with the RNC. "But obviously, North Carolina is a very important state."

The deadline to submit a bid is Feb. 26.

The full list of cities invited to bid:

Atlanta
Charlotte
Chicago
Cincinnati
Cleveland
Columbus, Ohio
Dallas
Denver
Detroit
Houston
Indianapolis
Kansas City
Las Vegas
Los Angeles
Miami
Nashville
New Orleans
New York City
Oklahoma City
Orlando
Philadelphia
Phoenix
Salt Lake City
San Antonio
San Diego
Seattle
St. Louis

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