Tampa Loses To Minneapolis for 2008 GOP Confab

The envelope has been opened, and instead of heading to Tampa, the nation's top Republicans will be traveling to the land of 10,000 lakes for their 2008 convention. Minneapolis-St. Paul was announced as the site for the gathering.

It's a blow to civic boosters in Tampa, which was considered a favorite after being bested for the 2004 convention by New York, the sentimental favorite after 9g11.

In April, 18 community leaders - including Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio and Hillsborough County Commission Ken Hagan - flew to the nation's capital to try to land the 2008 GOP convention. They were armed with pictures of palm trees, beaches - and most importantly, the cavernous St. Pete Times Forum.

In a prepared statement, Iorio said she looks forward to future opportunities to bid on national conventions.