Two of the top Democrats in Colorado are joining the state GOP in trying to bring the 2016 Republican National Convention to Denver.
Gov. John Hickenlooper and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock are both behind the Republicans’ effort, according to the Denver Post.
Denver was home to the 2008 Democratic National Convention and Colorado reaped a $266 million economic impact, according to a report by the City and County of Denver. The RNC is expected to bring in about 50,000 visitors from around the world.
“As with any event or convention of this magnitude, Mayor Hancock and the city are open to considering a bid,” said Hancock spokeswoman Amber Miller in a prepared statement first reported by the Denver Post.
“Being the host of the 2008 DNC, Denver has proven that we are more than capable of hosting a world-class event of this scale,” she said.” First step is to understand all the factors involved, including the dates, financial obligations and facility requirements.”
Hickenlooper and members of Hancock’s staff are expected to attend a Friday organizing meeting with Republicans at Denver’s Brown Palace hotel.
Considering that Colorado has recently enacted controversial new gun control laws, and that its voters supported President Obama in the last two presidential elections (as well as voted to legalize marijuana in 2012), it may seem an odd contender for the event.
But its status as a critical swing state might make it more appealing than other cities vying to host it.
“Having the convention there helps sort of bring some notice to Republicans in the state, especially any candidates running in 2016,” Jennifer Duffy, the editor of the Cook Political Report, told the Denver Post.
Las Vegas; Kansas City, Mo.; Charlotte, N.C.; Chicago; Columbus, Ohio; Cincinnati; and Cleveland are also bidding for the convention.
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