Nevada lobbies to host 2016 GOP convention in Las Vegas

A group in Nevada is lobbying for the 2016 Republican National Convention to be held in Las Vegas.

The Nevada Host Committee Inc. announced Tuesday it would push to hold the event in the gambling capital. Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki (R) will serve as the chairman of the committee.

{mosads}Las Vegas is the number one convention destination in North America,” Krolicki said. “We do it better than anyone else in the country. We believe this is a tremendous opportunity for Las Vegas and all of Nevada,” he said in a statement, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) is also up for reelection in 2016.

Other cities that have expressed interest in hosting include Salt Lake City and Kansas City, Mo.

The RNC Site Selection Committee’s decision isn’t expected to happen until next year.

In August, Nevada’s Republican Party finance chairman, Dan Schwartz, told the Review-Journal their bid would be tough.

The city would need convince the Republican National Committee, he said, that Las Vegas would be the right image for the GOP, despite the city’s reputation for drinking, gambling and adult-themed attractions.

Tampa, Fla., hosted the GOP’s 2012 convention. The location proved problematic because Hurricane Isaac delayed its start and shortened the event.

Republicans also received some criticism for the choice because of the number of strip clubs in Tampa. 

The Nevada group has even set up a website for their efforts: lasvegas2016.com.

“The 2016 GOP convention will be one of the largest and most significant events of its kind,” the site says. “Las Vegas will provide the world class facilities, accommodations, infrastructure, dining, and entertainment options to make the 2016 convention like no other. We are the #1 convention destination in North America. This is what we do.”