North Carolina was an important political battleground in the 2008 election and it might be four years later.
Charlotte has been named one of four finalists to host the 2012 Democratic National Convention along with Cleveland, Minneapolis and St. Louis.
“The selection of Charlotte as a finalist shows that North Carolina continues to be a key battleground state and will be one of the most important states on the political map in 2012,” North Carolina Democratic Party Chair David Young stated in a press release.
If Charlotte is chosen, the convention could bring national recognition to Democratic races in the state.
“North Carolina is a state that carried Obama in the last election and it would be great to renominate our president here,” said Mark Giangreco, deputy communication director of the North Carolina Democratic Party.
Hosting the convention could also be an economic boom for Charlotte and the Mecklenberg County area’s local businesses and hotels.
“Charlotte would be an ideal location for the convention with its great infrastructure and great downtown. It is one of the new gems of the south,” Giangreco said.
North Carolina has never hosted the Democratic National Convention, which will start Sept. 3, 2012 in the chosen host city. Until the host is announced, the Democratic parties of each state will lobby for their city to be chosen.
“The Ohio Democratic Party, Chairman Chris Redfern and Democratic leaders throughout Ohio will make a strong case to the selection committee to choose Cleveland as the site of the 2012 Democratic National Convention,” said Seth Bringham, spokesperson for the Ohio Democratic Party.
