A view of the Philadelphia skyline and the Schuylkill River.(Photo: Eileen Blass, USA TODAY)
WASHINGTON — Philadelphia has been chosen as the site of the 2016 Democratic convention, the national party announced Thursday. The Pennsylvania city beat out finalists New York City and Columbus, Ohio.
Philadelphia promised "a seamless and safe convention,'' Democratic National Committee chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz said in a statement. The city's "deep rooted place in American history provides a perfect setting for this special gathering. I cannot wait to join Democrats across the country to celebrate our shared values, lay out a Democratic vision for the future, and support our nominee."
The Democrats have already set the week of July 25 for events leading to the introduction of its next presidential standard-bearer. The Democratic confab will be right after Republicans pick their nominee in Cleveland from July 18-21.
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Philadelphia hosted the Republicans in 2000 for the convention that nominated then-Texas Gov. George W. Bush.
Mayor Michael Nutter, a Democrat, said Philadelphia won the convention thanks to "our proven track record of hosting big events safely and efficiently ... paired with our city's tremendous amenities, its accessible location and historical significance.''
Hosting a convention can be a lucrative proposition for cities, despite enormous challenges of fundraising, housing, security and transportation. In 2012, the Democratic convention in Charlotte had an estimated economic impact of nearly $164 million, according to a report commissioned by the North Carolina city tourism agency.
The convention could cost Philadelphia as much as $60 million to stage. The Democratic and Republican national committees have won permission from the Federal Election Commission to create new fundraising arms to raise money for the conventions, aimed at offsetting federal funds that are no longer available to the parties.
Pennsylvania has voted for the Democratic nominee in seven of the last 10 presidential elections; the last Republican nominee to win the state was George H.W. Bush in 1988. The politics of a host city or state are often highlighted in the selection process, such as Ohio's role as a major presidential swing state. Convention organizers more typically place a premium on logistics, including fundraising to underwrite the event, the availability of hotel rooms and a venue with enough seating and skyboxes to accommodate delegates and news media.
In the Democratic National Committee's initial pitch to cities inviting them to bid for the 2016 event, the party also emphasized that strong ties to labor unions — a key constituency — would be a priority.
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