Thumbs up for St. Louis in 2012?

Aug 1, 2010 — St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Jake Wagman

Aug. 1, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Get ready for the Final Four, convention style. St. Louis and three other cities are in the running for the 2012 national Democratic convention, and elbows already are being thrown.

Editorial writers in Charlotte called St. Louis the "city companies love to leave." Cleveland has been warned to prepare for another LeBron James-like heartbreak. Don't be surprised to hear someone compare Minneapolis' chances to Lake Wobegon landing the Winter Olympics.

Who can blame them for playing rough? Regardless of your political persuasion, the stakes are high -- thousands of visitors, national attention, big boost in economic revenue. Party conventions are political Super Bowls.

The decision will be announced before the end of the year. Last week, a Democratic site team finished its four-city scouting trip with a stop in St. Louis, highlighted by a free concert featuring Chuck Berry and Nelly. Was it enough? Here's the scorecard so far.

St. Louis

Last convention -- 1916 (Democrats)

Electoral college votes -- Missouri: 11

Pros

-- Renaissance Grand, once criticized as part of hotel glut, is perfect for convention needs.

-- Democrats in the mayor's office and governor's mansion provide key political support.

-- Unfinished business: In 2008, Obama narrowly lost in Missouri, typically a bellwether state.

-- President Barack Obama knows St. Louis will show: His 2008 rally under the Gateway Arch was one of the largest of the campaign.

Cons

-- Diminishing corporate influence could hurt ability to raise money.

-- Airport has lost non-stop routes to major cities.

-- Fewer electoral college votes than Ohio or North Carolina.

As they see it

"St. Louis is a city of hope, a resilient community on the move even during a prolonged economic recession. St. Louis also likes a good party and knows how to throw one."

-- Post-Dispatch editorial

Extra Point

"DNC 2012 St. Louis -- that has a good ring to it, doesn't it?"

-- Mayor Francis Slay

Charlotte

Last political convention

None

Electoral college votes

North Carolina: 15

Pros

-- Hype of a vibrant, growing "New South" region represents fertile political ground.

-- Hub airport has many nonstop flights. Also has a newly expanded convention center.

-- Corporate community ready to step up: Energy exec is leading a $40 million to $50 million fundraising effort.

Cons

-- Home to financial firms such as Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) , which received $45 billion in federal bailout money. Democrats may be wary of being associated with "TARP alley."

-- Labor supporters may object to North Carolina's "right to work" laws that weaken union influence.

-- The state's most well-known Democrat, former V.P. nominee John Edwards, is a party pariah.

As they see it

"We can project the image Democrats want and need. We're the capital of the New South, a home for innovation and accomplishment and diversity."

-- Charlotte Observer editorial

Extra Point

"Come to Charlotte because we've got the best home-cooked food in the world."

-- Torrence Simmons, owner of Simmons soul food restaurant.

Cleveland

Last political convention

1936 (GOP)

Electoral college votes

Ohio: 20

Pros

-- Ohio is a perennial battleground state with a large electoral bounty.

-- Democrats can score points by aiding a struggling regional economy.

-- Adjacent baseball stadium and basketball arena provide proximity between potential venues.

Cons

-- Lack of hotel space has killed prior convention bids. And will a planned new convention center be ready in time?

-- Can the struggling city raise the money to cover security and other costs?

-- May lack destination appeal of other cities.

As they see it

"Even if this attempt falls short, the networks built and the knowledge gleaned in preparing a bid could pay dividends later. Of course, if Democrats remember that the road to the White House almost always goes through Ohio, they may pay off sooner." -- Cleveland Plain Dealer editorial

Extra point

"We're the polka capital of the United States. ... We can put our best two-four step forward." -- Cecilia Dolgan, president, National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame ("Cleveland's other music museum.")

Minneapolis

Last political convention

2008 (GOP). Actually, sister city St. Paul was the host, but it still counts.

Electoral college votes

Minnesota: 10

Pros

-- 2008 GOP convention proved the region is a capable host.

-- Plenty of hotel rooms and a venue, the Metrodome, with 64,000 seats.

-- September in Minnesota is perfect convention weather.

Cons

-- Democrats may balk at returning to the site of a GOP gathering just four years earlier.

-- Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty could be GOP presidential nominee. Awkward for Democrats.

-- Minnesota is already in the bag -- voted Democratic in last nine presidential elections.

As they see it

"Leaders of the Twin Cities know -- better than those in the other three cities -- what hosting a national convention in the modern era requires."

-- Minneapolis Star Tribune editorial

Extra Point

"I don't know if we'd say we're the best because we're too modest as Minnesotans. ... It's a very Scandinavian trait, not to think too much of yourself."

-- Nina Clark, of the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0187-47502417