Dems pick Philly for convention

Democrats have selected Philadelphia as the site of their 2016 convention.

The largest city in the traditional swing state won out over Brooklyn, N.Y., and Columbus, Ohio. The convention will be held the week of July 25, a week after Republicans will hold their 2016 convention in Cleveland.

The announcement ends a lengthy competition between the cities. New York had looked to portray itself as a diverse city filled with donors willing to fund the convention, while Columbus touted its affordability and Midwestern values.

Philadelphia boasted of its experience in running large events and argued that its important role in the founding of American democracy would make for a strong backdrop for the convention where Democrats will nominate their presidential candidate.

“In addition to their commitment to a seamless and safe convention, Philadelphia’s deep rooted place in American history provides a perfect setting for this special gathering,” Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Fla.) said in a statement Thursday announcing the decision.

Democratic presidential contenders have fared well in Pennsylvania. The last time a Republican candidate won the state was in 1988, when Vice President George H.W. Bush bested Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis. 

But Pennsylvania is still considered a swing state, and Republicans see it as a place they can win in 2016.

Winning the convention is a significant victory for the city of Philadelphia, which can expect millions in revenue from the event.

“We believe that it was our proven track record of hosting big events safely and efficiently with a dynamic team of top-tier professionals to organize and manage a conference of this magnitude, paired with our City’s tremendous amenities, its accessible location and historical significance, which made Philadelphia the ideal choice for the 2016 DNC,” Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter said in a statement.

The last time the city hosted a political convention was in 2000, when Republicans came to the city to nominate George W. Bush.

All three cities ran extensive campaigns for the convention. All of the finalists hosted Wasserman Schultz last month, as they made their final pitches to the national party.

“Brooklyn is America’s greatest urban success story, which would have made it a great backdrop to nominate the next President of the United States,” New York Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) said in a statement. “I’d like to thank the thousands of New Yorkers who lent their time, energy and resources to support our effort.”

“While we were not successful this time around, we will be back in 2020 in hopes of landing a political convention in our city,” Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman said in a statement. “We congratulate Philadelphia on their success, but we continue to celebrate our own achievement as we have already begun to change how the world views Columbus.”

Though political conventions rarely make or break a presidential candidacy, they are important markers in a presidential campaign, because parties are allowed to use their general election funds after they are complete.

The convention is also a chance for the party’s nominee to present themselves to the public and speak to a national TV audience.

— This story was updated at 11:44 a.m.