FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PR- 292-06 August 15, 2006 MAYOR BLOOMBERG MAKES PITCH TO HOST 2008 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION New York City Welcomes Republican National Committee Site Selection Committee Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg welcomed the Republican National Committee (RNC) Site Selection Committee to New York City this evening. The City will play host to the 9-member committee for a 3-day tour that includes a taste of the best that New York City has to offer in hospitality, dining and entertainment. During their visit, the RNC Site Selection Committee will assess the City’s bid to host the 2008 Republican National Convention, which will include a thorough review of plans for transportation, security, hotels and its convention complex – the world famous Madison Square Garden. New York City’s Host Committee for the Republican National Convention is chaired by James Ortenzio, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of New York Republican County Committee. The RNC is expected to make a decision about the Host City by January 2007. “My administration learned a great deal from hosting the Republican National Convention at Madison Square Garden, and we will utilize that experience to plan, organize and execute an even more successful Convention in 2008,” Mayor Bloomberg said. “In addition, New York City offers resources that are unmatched by any city in the nation. When it comes to security, I am proud to say that New York is the safest big city in America, and we have the experience and resources to provide the most secure and well-protected convention site in the nation.” The committee members will arrive Tuesday evening and travel via double-decker bus from their hotel to a welcome dinner at the Mayor’s residence. On their second day, the RNC Site Selection Committee will hear presentations on the City’s plan for media hospitality given by Deputy Mayor for Government Affairs Kevin Sheekey, and take a tour of Madison Square Garden’s facilities led by MSG officials. “Madison Square Garden was privileged to be the home of the 2004 Republican National Convention, which was one of the most memorable political events in our illustrious history,” said MSG Vice-Chairman Hank J. Ratner. “We enjoyed working with our colleagues at the Republican National Committee and would be honored to join the Mayor and his team in working to bring the Republican convention back to New York.” After touring MSG, the Committee members will convene for lunch for a series of presentations by City officials, which will be led by Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Rebuilding Daniel L. Doctoroff. That evening, the RNC Committee Members will depart Manhattan for the Bronx where they will enjoy a Yankees game and dinner courtesy of George Steinbrenner. The committee members’ visit will conclude on Thursday with a breakfast at Gracie Mansion. Highlights of the City’s bid proposal to the RNC about why New York City is the best choice for the 2008 Convention include:
New York City hosted a tremendously successful Republican National Convention in 2004. It was the first Republican convention to be held in New York City and was attended by over 60,000 visitors. Over the past forty years, three presidents have won election having accepted their party’s nomination in New York City. After accepting the Republican nomination at Madison Square Garden in 2004, George W. Bush won reelection as the 43rd President of the United States. MEDIA CONTACT: Stu Loeser/Jennifer Falk (212) 788-2958 GENERAL CONTACT: Aaron McLear (RNC) (202) 841-0614 |
|