RNC Site Selection Committee Recommends New York City for 2004 Convention

WASHINGTON - The 2004 Republican National Convention Site Selection Committee today announced its recommendation of New York City as the site for the 2004 Republican National Convention. Tampa/St. Petersburg and New Orleans were also finalists to host the convention.

Marc Racicot, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, and Ellen Williams, Chairwoman of the Site Selection Committee, made the announcement following a Monday conference call in which the Site Selection Committee unanimously voted to recommend New York, pending the successful completion of a contract with the City.

If a site city agreement with New York is reached, the 165 members of the RNC will vote on the Committee's recommendation at their Annual Winter Meeting January 29 - February 1, 2003 in Washington, DC.

"The Site Selection Committee is pleased to recommend New York City as our choice for the 2004 Republican National Convention. The wide range of venues, the enthusiasm of the City, and the strong business deal put New York over the top. We believe New York will provide an outstanding backdrop to showcase our candidate and our Party in 2004. Although all of the three finalist cities proved highly desirable locations, the Site Selection Committee made its recommendation, pending final negotiation of a contract, based on a comprehensive examination and comparison of all aspects of the bids. Regrettably, the Committee can recommend only one of these three fine cities. I can assure everyone that this was not an easy decision," said Racicot.

Racicot and Williams praised Tampa/St. Petersburg and New Orleans for their efforts and cooperation throughout the selection process.

"From start to finish of this process, all of those involved in the Tampa/St. Petersburg bid demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm, professionalism and an outstanding level of commitment. The Bay Area has joined the ranks of a select few cities that are eminently capable of holding a national convention," said Williams. "The people of the Bay Area captured our hearts. We will always have fond memories of the area and hope to come back in the future."

"The City of New Orleans put together a proposal that was substantial. Republicans remain proud of our history with the city and the successful convention previously held there. Everyone engaged in the process proved professional and capable of selling the strengths of their great convention city," said Williams.