Philadelphia to host 2016 Democratic Convention

WASHINGTON DC, USA – The northeast US city of Philadelphia will host the Democratic NationalConvention set for late July 2016, the party announced February 12.

“I am thrilled to announce that Philadelphia will host the convention where we will nominate the 45th president of the United States,” Democratic NationalCommittee chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz said in a statement, citing the city’s “deep-rooted place in American history.”

The City of Brotherly Love, as it is affectionately known, beat out  Columbus, Ohio and Brooklyn, New York in a competition for which offered the best balance of logistics, finances, security and accommodation.

“We believe that it was our proven track record of hosting big events safely and efficiently… paired with our city’s tremendous amenities” that put Philadelphia on top, the city’s mayor Michael Nutter said.

Philadelphia, with 1.5 million people, is predominantly Democratic, and its state of Pennsylvania is considered a key swing state in presidential elections.

The convention, which is to be held the week of July 25, 2016, will see Democrats officially nominate their candidate to succeed President Barack Obama in the White House.

Republicans will hold their  national convention a week earlier in Cleveland, in the crucial swing state of Ohio.

Former secretary of state Hillary Clinton is widely seen as the Democratic frontrunner, though she has yet to declare her candidacy.

The Republican field is broader, but Florida ex-governor Jeb Bush is considered a top contender. – Rappler.com