Assessment to Show if Tampa Can Lure GOP Convention

The non-partisan Center for Responsive Politics is looking at the convention bids because the party gatherings provide access to candidates and party operatives - but unlike political races - contributions to political conventions are not limited, according to Massie Ritsch.

The editor of Capital Eye - the center's online newsletter - says the waterfront setting of the Tampa-St. Petersburg region is a plus, but also has disadvantages.

RITSCH: We're going to be in Sept 10th identified. If I were the republicans facing a bit of nervousness about weather.

The GOP selection committee is expected to visit the Tampa Bay area next month. They will select the host city by January 2007.