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  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2002
PR-152-02
www.nyc.gov


MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG DELIVERS NEW YORK CITY'S BID FOR 2004 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION TO WASHINGTON D.C.

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg this afternoon presented New York City's bid for the 2004 Republican National Convention to Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Governor Marc Racicot and Site Selection Committee Chairperson Ellen Williams at the RNC headquarters in Washington, D.C. The detailed proposal outlines using Madison Square Garden as the main site for the Convention, and highlights New York City as the world's capital of media, culture and commerce. The proposal also notes the nearly endless number of exciting venues for receptions and events including Bryant Park, Ellis Island, Grand Central Terminal, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. New York City Host Committee honorary chairs for the Convention are the Mayor and Governor George Pataki, and former Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani will serve as committee chairman. The New York City and Host Committee commitment for the Convention totals $71.5 million.

"We are very excited by the prospect of hosting the Republican National Convention in our great City, and hope that the Republican National Committee will accept our invitation as a statement that New York City remains the definitive global symbol of courage, of pride, of strength and of freedom," said Mayor Bloomberg. "Long the home of the 'American Dream,' New York City is eager to demonstrate that the spirit of the United States will not be broken - we are united, defiant and determined to emerge victorious. We will show that our City and America are stronger than ever. New York City is the ideal stage from which to share the Republican Party's ideas with the nation and to nominate our President for a second term. I pledge to bring together a powerful coalition of elected officials, unions, business leaders, government entities, cultural organizations and entertainers whose collective energy and experience will guarantee an unparalleled and unforgettable Convention."

"We are filled with pride and enthusiasm as New York City, home of major media networks, the magic of Broadway, world-renowned restaurants and unmatched cultural attractions, submits its bid for the 2004 Republican National Convention," Governor Pataki said. "New York is back, better than ever and ready to make 2004 the biggest and most successful Convention ever."

Other members of the Host Committee include Roland W. Betts, Chairman and Founder of Chelsea Piers, LP, Marie-Josée Kravis, Senior Fellow of the Hudson Institute, Inc. and Jack M. Hennessy, Senior Advisor of Credit Suisse First Boston who have agreed to serve as co-vice chairs, and Andrea E. Bernstein, Vice President of Oxygen Media, who will serve as RNC and Host Committee Liaison to coordinate the City's efforts to guarantee the success of the 2004 Republican National Convention.

In his letter to the Republican National Committee, former Mayor Giuliani wrote: "As a proud Republican and New Yorker, it is my honor to serve as Chair of the New York City Host Committee [and] I pledge to you my commitment in producing a spectacular Convention for our party. More than any other place, New York symbolizes the values of a great nation and the strength of a great people. Offering world-class restaurants, cultural attractions, theatre, and shopping, New York has the unique ability to truly provide an unforgettable experience for all delegates, staff, and Republican supporters. I look forward to working with [the RNC], and joining Governor Pataki and Mayor Bloomberg in welcoming the Republican Convention to New York City in 2004."

"New York City is the perfect setting for the Republican Party to present our leadership and our platform," said New York Republican State Committee Chairman Sandy Treadwell. "I'm so pleased that Governor Pataki, Mayor Bloomberg and former Mayor Giuliani will be leading the effort to bring the National Convention here. The 2004 Republican National Convention belongs in New York City. It's the appropriate place for America to take pride in our strength, courage and determination."

The bid for the Republican National Convention highlights New York City's numerous resources to make the event an incredible and memorable success. Among them are:

 

www.nyc.gov

Contact: Ed Skyler / Jennifer Falk
(212) 788-2958