Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Governor George E. Pataki, and former Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today welcomed the Republican National Committee (RNC) Site Selection Committee to New York City as part of the City's bid to host the 38^th Republican National Convention in 2004. The announcement occurred in the midst of an exciting three-day tour of the Capital of the World. RNC Site Selection Committee Chairperson Ellen Williams joined Mayor Bloomberg, Governor Pataki, and Mr. Giuliani for the announcement in the Blue Room at City Hall.

"Governor Pataki, Mayor Giuliani, and I are delivering a simple and clear message today: it's time for the Republican Party to hold its next convention in the New York City, the Capital of the World," Mayor Bloomberg said. "New York City offers the most accessible and accommodating amenities, the most sophisticated communications capabilities, and the safest, largest stage in the world. The Republican Party would send a powerful message by engaging in one of the great traditions of the American political process in our great City."

"I commend the Republican National Committee for its interest in bringing its 2004 national convention to New York City, the financial, media and cultural capital of the world," Governor Pataki said. "This is a great opportunity for the RNC to show its support for New York and is a tremendous forum to showcase one of the greatest cities in the world."

"This is a perfect opportunity for the Republican National Committee Site Selection Committee to experience the City's vibrancy and heart in our world-class restaurants, cultural attractions, theatres, and neighborhoods," Mr. Giuliani said. "The strength of our great nation as well as the values of our great nation are reflected throughout the City making it a perfect place to host the next Republican National Convention."

Mayor Bloomberg hand-delivered New York City's bid for the 2004 Republican National Convention to Republican National Committee Chairman Governor Marc Racicot and National Site Selection Committee Chairperson Ellen Williams in Washington, D.C. on June 17, 2002.

Mayor Bloomberg and Governor Pataki are New York City Host Committee Honorary Chairs for the Convention, and former Mayor Giuliani is Committee Chairman. Other members of the Host Committee include Co-Vice Chairs 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, and RNC and Host Committee Liaison Andrea E. Bernstein, Vice President of Oxygen Media.

The proposal highlights New York City's numerous resources and venues, including:

The New York City Economic Development Corporation estimates that the economic impact on the host City will total $182 million in economic activity. New York City and the Host Committee are committing $71.5 million toward the Convention - the City has committed to provide $22 million in kind toward security, with the remaining funds being raised by the Host Committee.