Tampa Hopes 3rd Time's the Charm for GOP Convention

Soon to host the GOP National Convention?

Tampa has been named as a finalist in the search for a host city for Republican National Convention in 2012. Since Tampa has auditioned for the role several times, city officials are hoping the third time will be the charm.

Tampa will square off against four other cities to host the convention. So far, the other cities named are Salt Lake City and Phoenix. Tampa hasn't even hosted a group from the Republican National Committee since 2006, says Steve Hayes. He's executive vice president of Tampa Bay and Company, a nonprofit group that acts as the region's convention and visitor's bureau.

"Considering that this was the third time that we've bid on this event, they certainly liked this area," says Hayes. "Florida is a key market for them and one I think they need to win elections, and the I-4 corridor is a key area. They're always looking at this area and we've always gone after it. We believe we can host this event."

Hayes says more than 15,000 people would be using the St. Pete Times Forum and the Tampa Convention Center during the event, which is held in the summer. Tampa has one drawback - the convention will be held in summer, the middle of hurricane season. He says local organizers should know more details - such as when the list will be further whittled down - by the end of the week. And he says he can't wait to show off the city's good side again.

"During that time the convention is here, not only do you have 15,000 plus people in town spending money, but you have probably all the news networks across the world covering it, as it is such an important political event," says Hayes. "From that aspect, you get to show off what this community has."

Hayes says local organizers should know more by the end of the week. A spokesman for the Republican National Committee declined to comment. Tampa lost out to New York in 2004 for the GOP convention, and to Minneapolis four years later.