COLUMBUS, Ohio – Organizers of Columbus’ bid to host the 2016 Democratic National Convention are in Washington to make their case.
A delegation led by Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman was in the nation’s capital Monday for the technical bid presentation to the Democratic National Committee.
“We are thrilled to present the details of our bid to the Democratic National Committee. Over the past several months a hardworking team has put together an impressive bid and presentation, and we are ready to show the DNC that Columbus is the best city to host their next convention,” Coleman said.
Columbus is one of six cities that submitted bids earlier this month to host the Democrats’ presidential nominating convention. Others include Cleveland, Birmingham, New York, Philadelphia and Phoenix.
In its application, Ohio’s capital touted its convenient transportation, walkable neighborhoods, restaurants and convention center. Such an event is big business for its host city, attracting 45,000 people and bringing in between $150 million and $200 million.
Cleveland is also a finalist to host the 2016 Republican National Convention.
The city is not empty-handed, convention-wise.
The Libertarian Party’s 2014 national political convention takes place in downtown Columbus from Thursday through Sunday. More than 600 delegates are expected.
Chairman Kevin Knedler says the Libertarians are the only party organized nationally to see increased membership in recent years.
The event comes as a Libertarian candidate for governor has been disqualified from Ohio’s ballot this year in a dispute that is still being litigated.
Secretary of State Jon Husted disqualified Charlie Earl before the May primary after his nominating petitions were challenged. Husted agreed with a hearing officer who found that two Earl petitioners failed to properly disclose their employers.