Democrats See Houston, Milwaukee as Convention Finalists

Five Democrats with knowledge of the site selection process for the Democratic National Convention tell Politico that the race is between Houston and Milwaukee.

“Heat, humidity and hurricanes were already among the factors weighing against Miami Beach. Some members worried about traffic and Miami Beach’s hard-partying reputation, which might muddy convention messaging. They’re also not crazy about the consideration of cruise ships as options for housing some delegates. Finally, there’s sensitivity to hosting yet another convention in the Eastern time zone while trying to portray a party that’s not anchored on the coasts.”

Said one DNC member: “Houston and Milwaukee are the only viable candidates right now. The weather, the logistics. Also, the imagery. What does the party want to portray from its convention? Do you want bikinis on the beach? Or do you want people in the heartland or a diversity of people in Texas?”