2012: NATIONAL CONVENTIONS

Mark Your Calendars in 2012 for the National Conventions.

Democratic National Convention: week of September 3, 2012. Possible sites: Charlotte, Dallas (crossing my fingers), Phoenix, Tampa, and now it is rumored that Philadelphia is in the running.

Republican National Convention: week of August 27, 2012. Possible sites: Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Tampa, VIP section of Club Voyeur in West Hollywood

As stated above, both Phoenix and Tampa are putting in bids to host both conventions. It has happened where conventions were held in the same city during the same election cycle. The last time that happened: 1972, both the Democratic and Republican national conventions were held in Miami during the presidential election season.

PREDICTIONS

I do not see a city holding one convention followed by another. It is a logistical situation. Traffic, security, lodging for delegates, whatever else you can think of.

For Republicans, the sensible choice is Tampa. Florida was a swing state in 2008, and quite possibly once again in 2012. However, I will pick Salt Lake City. Why? Once again……

Democrats… Many of my political contacts across the state of Texas would love for the Democratic National Convention to come to Dallas. I think it all depends on what happens with the governor's race in November. If Bill White wins, then MAYBE….. Just MAYBE Texas could become a swing state. I am sure that is what the site selection committee is doing too. Charlotte seems to be the favorite pick because, once again, I am citing the swing state card.

So, a recap, I predict the following that will happen for the 2012 convention cycle: 

1. No city will host both conventions.
2. The Republicans will meet the week of August 27, 2012 in Salt Lake City, UT.
3. The Democrats will meet in Charlotte, NC for the week of September 3, 2012.