Republican Convention update

WE'VE MOVED! Democratic Convention Watch is now at http://www.DemocraticConventionWatch.com

We will, on occasion, report on the Republican site selection, just to see how the competition is doing! Hotline On Call just posted a bunch of information. Here are some key points:

• 31 cities in the running, including Anaheim (not on the Democratic list). Other cities can still request information
• Finalists by mid-summer, decision by Feb 1 '07
• Party insiders say Tampa, Miami, Nashville, New York, and Anaheim have an inside edge.
  
• Watch for the RNC to announce its '08 convention dates in the next few weeks
• Main Convention Area -- facility capable of seating at least 20,500 persons, including the convention floor with seating for approximately 5,500 delegates and alternates.

Only two things I was suprised at. First, Anaheim being a front-runner. And second, no specific mention of a "bowl setting" being required. The Republican convention usually has less delegates than the Democrats, so maybe they feel they can fit in a Convention Hall setting. The GOP did this as recently as 1996 in San Diego, so it does open up more possibilities for them.