GOP bypasses Arizona, chooses Tampa for 2012 convention
posted at 10:38 pm on May 12, 2010 by Allahpundit
I know, I know, everyone wanted them to show some solidarity with a government that’s getting it demagogued on immigration. But (a) why choose a red state instead of a swing state in an election year? (b) Assuming Rubio wins in the fall, a keynote at the convention in his backyard will be awfully sweet. (c) There’s no way the GOP’s going to tempt fate with Latinos before the midterms by slapping an official party endorsement on Phoenix. From today’s WSJ poll:
If you want to know the reason why so many prominent Republicans are amnesty shills, you’re looking at it. Interestingly, Phoenix is reportedly also on the Dems’ shortlist for convention possibilities. Is The One going to steal a little thunder here by tapping Arizona as his own coronation site in 2012, on the theory that his party will be “bringing civil rights back to Phoenix” or whatever? Stay tuned!
Oh, another GOP candidate that was passed over? Salt Lake City. I wonder why…
Blowback
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Who cares. Gop is doing the smart thing. Frenzy averted.
Narutoboy on May 12, 2010 at 10:41 PM
Riiight.
Inanemergencydial on May 12, 2010 at 10:41 PM
The Gulf Coast at the peak of hurricane season?
exception on May 12, 2010 at 10:42 PM
The One stealing a little thunder……??? Do you even have to ask this question? Although, “stealing” is the appropriate word for all things Obama.
GrannyDee on May 12, 2010 at 10:43 PM
Go where the votes are needed and build goodwill.
Arizona’s stance will be a minor, minor note by November.
JOBS, DEBT and the failure of the OBAMACONOMY will be the themes.
profitsbeard on May 12, 2010 at 10:44 PM
Yet interestingly enough, there are massive majorities favoring Arizona’s immigration law. Including just under a majority of Democrats.
I honestly think this had more to do with a swing state than Arizona’s law. There’s no benefit to hosting a convention in a red state in a year when you’re trying to defeat the incumbent.
The Democrtaic mayor of Tampa was standing in front of a background with GOP elephant logos on it talking about how the Republican convention is bringing money and prestige to the city.
amerpundit on May 12, 2010 at 10:44 PM
Yet interestingly enough, there are massive majorities favoring Arizona’s immigration law. Including just under a majority of Democrats.
I honestly think this had more to do with a swing state than Arizona’s law. There’s no benefit to hosting a convention in a red state in a year when you’re trying to defeat the incumbent.
The Democratic mayor of Tampa was standing in front of a background with GOP elephant logos on it talking about how the Republican convention is bringing money and prestige to the city.
amerpundit on May 12, 2010 at 10:44 PM
Tampa’s the best choice out of the three. Florida’s a swing state. Two of the biggest rising stars in the GOP come 2012 could very well be Rubio and Col. West. And the weather will be great.
I dare the Dems to go to Phoenix in 2012 and try to reap political gain from this law. Obama really thinks he can stand there in the kidnapping capital of the country with the open borders/pro-amnesty crowd cheering him on and win over a majority of Americans. Even he can’t think he’s that good. Can he?
Doughboy on May 12, 2010 at 10:44 PM
Sorry about the double-post. I thought it didn’t go through the first time and so I tried to correct my spelling and submit.
amerpundit on May 12, 2010 at 10:45 PM
With a solid majority of Americans continuing to express support for Arizona’s new law, despite the screaming of a relatively small but loud cadre of truly irritating leftist protestors, I’m not sure selecting Phoenix for the Dem Convention would be wise.
It would be yet another reminder that the Dems have been busy foisting a mean-spirited and arrogant class-warfare-based agenda upon an unwilling majority.
Edouard on May 12, 2010 at 10:46 PM
Maybe it comes down to the fact after being red for the Presidential elections for at least two in a row that I can remember, Florida went blue last time and it has the 4th largest number of electoral votes?
Marcus on May 12, 2010 at 10:47 PM
I’m just wondering why they are going to give limp-wristed opposition to Kagan after the absolute hate-speech given to Supreme Court nominee’s the left doesn’t like…what the left…and VP Joe Biden (WHAT AN EFFIN JOKE TO EVEN SAY) did to Clarence Thomas is criminal…it’s why the heads of the GOP & especially the NRCC need to go…they aren’t conservative and they damn sure have no balls…just like Reagan said…once again…it’s time for conservatives to take the GOP back and kick the libs that have infiltrated it over the last twenty years out…now-on topic…of course they are going to pander…for the reasons I just stated…
DCJeff on May 12, 2010 at 10:48 PM
A hurricane hasn’t made landfall in Tampa since ’46. And a major hurricane hasn’t hit the city since 20+ years before that.
amerpundit on May 12, 2010 at 10:48 PM
I’m having some problems with the site as well. Very slow to load and post a comment.
d1carter on May 12, 2010 at 10:48 PM
Of course, pick a swing state.
That’s commonsense.
AnninCA on May 12, 2010 at 10:48 PM
Ariz would be a killer in the summer ( because of the heat that is)! Utah lost because we don’t have enough strip joints (do we have any? I don’t think so) or bars.
Bambi on May 12, 2010 at 10:49 PM
‘heh’ Allah? methinks you sound pleased…
yeah play it like the Dems did nominating O, and ramming down Healthcare, pixx off 80@ of the people to pander to the group who may one day be a majority
good luck with that, it worked really well for MAC
ginaswo on May 12, 2010 at 10:49 PM
Doesn’t he know his side is boycotting Arizona?
NoLeftTurn on May 12, 2010 at 10:49 PM
Please. PLEASE stop using that picture. Please.
Wolfen on May 12, 2010 at 10:50 PM
And yeah agree it is FL electoral votes, easy call to make for the GOP
ginaswo on May 12, 2010 at 10:50 PM
Gov. Brewer is so beautiful.
Narutoboy on May 12, 2010 at 10:51 PM
That opens up a bunch of hotel rooms and convention space for the “TEA Party” in 2010/2012 in Phoenix…
… I wonder what the GOP is going to say when they can’t pay the bills in Tampa?
Seven Percent Solution on May 12, 2010 at 10:52 PM
No good deed goes unpunished.
sheesh on May 12, 2010 at 10:53 PM
It doesn’t matter how lopsided Latinos vote for the democrats, amnesty will never happen without GOP votes…
ninjapirate on May 12, 2010 at 10:54 PM
The smallest minds and the selfishest souls and the cowardliest hearts that God makes.
- Mark Twain
MB4 on May 12, 2010 at 10:55 PM
Ugh,MEMO TO GOP,reconsider!!
By the morning,I want to read,
GOP Changes Heart,Will Hold Convention in Arizona!!!
canopfor on May 12, 2010 at 10:56 PM
The GOP should have picked Maine to show some love the the Maine Gals who’ve gone against their natural impulses and stayed united with the party. It could have been a low key, respectable convention, not a lot of wasted money on glitz and glam.
myrenovations on May 12, 2010 at 10:57 PM
37% say “neither” or “both the same.” Interesting.
Weight of Glory on May 12, 2010 at 10:58 PM
Everything is beautiful in it’s own way. Well … … not everything.
MB4 on May 12, 2010 at 10:58 PM
I bow to the GOP. I bow to the mayor of Tampa. Let the bows begin.
No Niks on May 12, 2010 at 10:59 PM
MB4 on May 12, 2010 at 11:02 PM
I should be cheering for the hometown, but Phoenix in August? Even we locals flee the state that time of year.
As for Tampa? Happy hurricane season, RNC.
Exurban Jon on May 12, 2010 at 11:03 PM
My new backyard so I am excited.
txag92 on May 12, 2010 at 11:03 PM
If there is anything the GOP has become, it is common.
MB4 on May 12, 2010 at 11:04 PM
All these school boards are canceling trips to Az where their students were chosen to play in championships. One school board gave the reason that it was for safety concerns and that Az values were not inline with theirs.
The students and parents are understandably p.o.’d. As one father said, none of us are here illegally, so we have nothing to fear. And you sent a team to China. Your values are not inline with Az, but they are with human rights violating olypic cheating kid stabbing China???
Blake on May 12, 2010 at 11:05 PM
BREAKING! BREAKING! BREAKING!
GOP awarded medal for Courageous Restrain!
MB4 on May 12, 2010 at 11:05 PM
If there is anything the GOP has become, it is common.MB4 on May 12, 2010 at 11:04 PM
That is good!
bluemarlin on May 12, 2010 at 11:06 PM
Stealing Wins
I would love to ask The One how many of his policies have worked as expected.
The Dems evaded Waterloo more than once or twice this year. Bombs fail to go off. We would have a dollar worth a tenth of a Euro except for Greece and the other PIGS. And, without Europe putting out fires of its own, long term rates would have shot up here. With the whole world in doldrums, there is nowhere for money to go except the leaky US.
Maybe The One plans to hire the coach of that Montreal hockey club to run the DNC.
But Montreal is only looking for 16 wins. They aren’t even close to doing the wrong thing for 24 or 48 months and leaving the rink a winner.
Much as I disagree with Him, it will be interesting to see how the Kid from Kenya finishes all this. I think we all need some luck.
IlikedAUH2O on May 12, 2010 at 11:06 PM
Oops! fixed it
bluemarlin on May 12, 2010 at 11:07 PM
The Dems won’t go to Phoenix, unless they are completely delusional. As much as the MSM would show peaceful Hispanics proudly waving American flags, Fox would reap huge ratings just showing the La Raza crowd and the ensuing violence. I even think the MSM would end up showing the race rallies just so they can get some of Fox’s rating left overs.
Rode Werk on May 12, 2010 at 11:08 PM
The Arizonians defending the country were attacked by Emperor Obama’s legions. The Arizonians were proud and brave but they couldn’t hold by themselves. They were massacred. GOP sissy boys stripped them of their tunics and their swords and lances. The Arizonians lay naked in the sun. It was 2012. I was there.
- George S. Patton
MB4 on May 12, 2010 at 11:11 PM
Florida = SWING STATE…
Arizona… not so much…
TROLLS: see answer above…
Khun Joe on May 12, 2010 at 11:13 PM
Thirty years from now, when you’re sitting around your fireside with your grandson on your knee and he asks you, “What did you do when Arizona was defending America?” you don’t want to have to say, “Well… I shoveled shit in Tampa.”
- George S. Patton
MB4 on May 12, 2010 at 11:17 PM
They’re idiots attracted to fool’s gold. The GOP can never, ever outdo the democrats on ethnic pandering, which is what the support of amnesty by many of them boils down to. If they actually stood for the principle of the rule of law they might find it actually benefits them.
thirteen28 on May 12, 2010 at 11:18 PM
Arizona 10
Utah 5
Florida 27
I think Arizona is going to be red this election season and won’t need anyone’s help.
Texas Gal on May 12, 2010 at 11:19 PM
Patton: Your *nerves*? Well, hell, you’re nothing but a God-damned coward.
[GOP starts sniveling]
Patton: Shut up!
MB4 on May 12, 2010 at 11:21 PM
Should of went to Michigan, that state might actually be in play by 2012.
Daemonocracy on May 12, 2010 at 11:25 PM
Good thought, I doubt it would pan out though. Florida isd a big state electoral wise and also perception wise. Not that Michigan going Red would not ring alarm bells everywhere.
bluemarlin on May 12, 2010 at 11:27 PM
One less riot to worry about.
BigWyo on May 12, 2010 at 11:30 PM
So far, the biggest problem the GOP is facing is money.
Donations have dried up.
AnninCA on May 12, 2010 at 11:40 PM
Heh
Blake on May 12, 2010 at 11:49 PM
I meant it. I like her look.
Narutoboy on May 13, 2010 at 12:07 AM
Stupid. Why would SLC even be considered? Go to a leftie or swing state, not one which is deeeeeep in your pocket already.
———–
Note to country – boycott LA over their boycott of AZ. Los Angeles is broken and they have nothing better to do than vote to boycott AZ, fools.
Schadenfreude on May 13, 2010 at 12:09 AM
“he prospect of a convention in the home of the Mormon church is, rightly or wrongly, worrying to many Republicans”
Funny the Olympics didn’t seem to have a problem and it was the only one that made money instead of leaving the state with a huge debt. Thanks to Mitt!
Bambi on May 13, 2010 at 12:15 AM
Hey AP, why don’t you stop being a dick, and get a new picture of Jan Brewer?
http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&source=imghp&q=jan+brewer&gbv=2&aq=f&aqi=g10&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=
azkenreid on May 13, 2010 at 12:16 AM
Are there any lesbian strip joints in Tampa?
SouthernGent on May 13, 2010 at 12:18 AM
Note to country – boycott LA over their boycott of AZ. Los Angeles is broken and they have nothing better to do than vote to boycott AZ, fools.
Schadenfreude on May 13, 2010 at 12:09 AM
I intend to boycott all of CA. I think Az should give the illegals a one way ticket to San Fran, or LA. Let them deal with the crime and the drugs.
I don’t understand why the legals would support those coming over with all their crime, because the legal Hispanics are usually the ones who loose their jobs and have the crime committed against them.
I’m a legal immigrant (citizen now) and if my countrymen were doing this, I would be the first to stand up and condemn them.
Bambi on May 13, 2010 at 12:22 AM
And while you’re at it, why not post your own picture?
azkenreid on May 13, 2010 at 12:22 AM
Tampa in August. How delightful.
SukieTawdry on May 13, 2010 at 12:48 AM
Why don’t the Dems go to Nashville…for a reality check?
onlineanalyst on May 13, 2010 at 12:50 AM
Dems should have theirs at Gitmo. It’ll be available then, right?
Ronnie on May 13, 2010 at 12:58 AM
I support what Brewer is doing in Az 100% for the simple fact the Feds will not enforce immigration law. I do agree for the most part with what Tantoras wrote the other day. Republicans need to get away from the Tancredo bs, and start looking at the demographics. Secure the border first, create zero tolerance for employers of illegals past a certain date, and then I go for a phased in citizenship of those who came illegally, only to improve their lot in life. My plan would be secure border, give 90 days to register if undocumented with the understanding that you are out if caught past that date. Any felons get ejected immediately, give the other ones work visas renewable every 2 years as long as they remain in good standing , with eligibility for citizenship after about 12 years.
Southernblogger on May 13, 2010 at 1:03 AM
Choosing the between the Democrats and the Republicans is like choosing between a hand grenade and a shit sandwich.
leereyno on May 13, 2010 at 1:18 AM
Nice poll.
I’d love for folks to tell me how becoming wards of the state helps them move up the ladder.
Must be a step-ladder.
Thanks, I’ll take this nice 60 footer.
reaganaut on May 13, 2010 at 1:41 AM
Tampa seems to be immune. My theory is that something about the geography of the bay deflects the storms. They always seem to turn away.
Mark Jaquith on May 13, 2010 at 1:46 AM
Love how Brewer got rid of the ethnic La Raza classes today. Maybe she we should vote for her for governor. If only she didn’t support the sham 100 sales tax hike. Alack…
andy85719 on May 13, 2010 at 2:47 AM
Deport the GOP convention to Mexico City and the Dems to Caracas.
Feedie on May 13, 2010 at 3:01 AM
No, no, keep this picture! The libs should fear and loathe her, like the punks they are. The only thing missing is a ruler and felt-tipped marker (red).
Lefties and RINOs gets Fs for civilization, heh.
Feedie on May 13, 2010 at 3:16 AM
That has to be THE lamest reason to pass over Salt Lake City.
Amen!!
As a Mormon myself, I would pass on Salt Lake City but not because the headquarters of the LDS Church is there.
I would pass on SLC because Florida is a swing state and whoever becomes the GOP nominee will need to capture that state.
Utah will vote Republican no matter what…so it makes no sense to have the convention there.
Conservative Samizdat on May 13, 2010 at 3:53 AM
Tne ONLY way I would ever support any path to citzenship is if these illegals have to pay an annual fee to be here and tracked during their waiting period. It should be significant enough to catch their attention, like $500 to $1000 per year per family member. Let those funds go toward border patrol
Second, the MINUTE any of these illegals who now have a working permit apply for any government subsidies (food stamps, housing, not buying their own health care insurance, etc), they get deported. We don’t need 12 million people suddenly on the dole.
Third, they must be proficient in English by their 3rd year of this program. All government forms and voting booths will be English only.
Fourth, end chain migration. End the anchor baby rule.
Then I MIGHT not hate the people who vote for Amnesty in COngress. Anything less than this, whoever votes for Amnesty will have to go home for good.
karenhasfreedom on May 13, 2010 at 4:09 AM
Florida has the good latinos!
Lonetown on May 13, 2010 at 5:10 AM
I noticed the WSJ only asked Latinos.
Did they first ask ‘latino-looking’ citizens first? How did they know they were legal?
Notorious GOP on May 13, 2010 at 6:54 AM
Forget politics for a second. Where would you rather be in late summer for a convention? At least you can go to the beach in Tampa.
guitarplayer on May 13, 2010 at 7:04 AM
It just amazes me how people can make an issue out of almost anything. Tampa may be hot in August, but Phoenix is even hotter. Besides, chances are this decision was actually made some time ago for reasons that have nothing to do with this bill…and Phoenix was not the only place passed over either.
So maybe it is not about GOP amnesty shills. BTW, speaking of amnesty shills, the other day I heard Rush Limbaugh say that deporting all these people was not practical and that after the border was secure {of course}, we could legalize them. I wonder how many people could say something like that without Malkin screaming about shamnesty or Allah calling them an amnesty shill.
I read that from 1997 to 2007 about 890,000 people were deported. In 2008 the number was 369,000. It is supposed to be about 5% higher in 2009. Deportation is a civil hearing and so the Bush administration increased the number of facilities for deportation and it did pay off. Maybe we could deport most of these people. Maybe about a quarter of them could get legal status and the rest deported.
Terrye on May 13, 2010 at 7:05 AM
Si, he puede’
bernzright777 on May 13, 2010 at 7:24 AM
Look at that sad poll.
If that’s what “latinos” think, we seriously need to start looking for some smarter immigrants. Maybe they are all reading Newsweek.
Free Indeed on May 13, 2010 at 7:25 AM
So what’s wrong with Kenya since that’s where all the hot presidential candidates come from? Oh, it’s not part of America? How about Honolula then, since that’s where all the hot presidential candidates come from?
Don L on May 13, 2010 at 7:27 AM
In 2004, the GOP decided, I suppose as a post 9/11 gesture, to hold its convention in NYC. As I recall, given the general inclination of the local population toward the GOP, this made for some very poor optics. Sure, the party retained the White House, but it’s not like they carried New York. For those same reasons, I question the strategic advantage of throwing the party in FL.
Besides, by the time the convention happens, I imagine most of the fevered media frenzy over AZ will be SO two years ago.
apostic on May 13, 2010 at 7:28 AM
highly doubtful, since he’s been trashing us since the law passed…
lost all respect for Arnold as well…
cmsinaz on May 13, 2010 at 7:30 AM
Barry won’t be needing a coronation site in 2012. He’ll be needing a site for his retirement home, but I doubt he’ll consider Phoenix, where the crime rate is very high (thanks, illegals) and the weather is too hot six months of the year. He’ll probably build his multi-million-dollar mansion on some pricey hilltop in Hawaii, where he can have excellent (taxpayer funded) security, adequate distance from the smelly little people, and killer ocean views. Selfless public service sure pays off, doesn’t it?
AZCoyote on May 13, 2010 at 8:06 AM
plan your vacation this year – in Arizona.
I just wonder when my cowardly state of Texas will follow. Sadly, the political animal Rick Perry is in the back pocket of the US Chamber of Commerce. DD
Darvin Dowdy on May 13, 2010 at 8:14 AM
The GOP hispanic power voting block is a myth. The hispanic vote routinely goes 3-1 to democrats. The clueless GOP chases this illusion with predictable results.
Fletch54 on May 13, 2010 at 8:24 AM
Possible sites for DEMO Convention?
Alcatraz Island…..where they all belong
Gitmo…..put the real criminals there and send the Jihadis’ to Congress….could it be worse?
Caracas…..let Hugo give the Keynote, and it will give the Dems a great look at our future.
Just a few thoughts for you Politico/Slate/HuffPo trolls to take back to your Nazgul Lords.
PappyD61 on May 13, 2010 at 8:31 AM
This has to be the first time in our history the president of the United States has declared war on an individual state. Everything this buffoon says, if you disagree with me, you will pay a price. How much of a Chicago thug is this country going to take?
volsense on May 13, 2010 at 8:42 AM
The mayor of Tampa is a dem shill. She must be running for re-election to come out and say the R’s coming to town is a good thing. She embarrassed everyone when she refused to go to the airport to greet then pres Bush. A hurricans did flood downtown Tampa during the mid 80′s and we had several that made land fall close enough to worry about.
Kissmygrits on May 13, 2010 at 8:53 AM
Just a couple of comments. In my school we have students taking a month off at Christmas so they can go back to Mexico to spend the time with relatives. These people go back and forth all the time. It’s not hard for them to get there. Also, as a legal immigrant I had to prove that I would never be a burden on the country and had to have a sponsor. I guess once you become a citizen that is not an issue any more, I don’t know. Yes, I’m a citizen and have never taken any government largess.
Bambi on May 13, 2010 at 8:55 AM
HUSH! None of that! We don’t want em! *shivers*
pannw on May 13, 2010 at 9:35 AM
Another great move by the wizards of smart ,the stupid party AKA the RNC.
thmcbb on May 13, 2010 at 9:39 AM
Phoenix is the kidnapping capitol of the U.S. I don’t see that as an attractive incentive to hold a convention there.
And wouldn’t that be seen as rewarding John McCain?
Dr Evil on May 13, 2010 at 10:47 AM
Choosing Tampa, seems like a reward for Rubio’s candidacy.
Dr Evil on May 13, 2010 at 10:48 AM
Well, it could also be that it is the Kidnapping capital of the USA and there is a lot of violence and drug crimes.
Security would be a nightmare.
But the drugs could be bought at wholesale.
barnone on May 13, 2010 at 10:57 AM
That was uncalled for … and quite frightening.
I was about to eat lunch
Shambhala on May 13, 2010 at 12:27 PM
DUDE!
I’m frankly disappointed because I was hoping to get a shot of hitting on a few consevative women. Oh well.
VikingGoneWild on May 13, 2010 at 12:33 PM
Dang – is the RNC and the REAL Republican leadership desperately trying to create a third party and lose everything? They’re behaving like petulant idiot children. And that’s an unfortunate insult to idiots.
{+_+}
herself on May 13, 2010 at 12:36 PM
I am an Arizonan and I think this is a good time for a thorough house cleaning, we get rid of the illegals, we get rid of the fruits and nuts from CA(Boycotts)and return the favor, we are rooting out the RHINOS, get rid of the progressives then seal OUR borders, really great place to live. :):):)
Love Arizona
concernedsenior on May 13, 2010 at 1:11 PM
Pheonix in Arizona in August – NOT where we would want to spend a week, unless I’m visiting my sister and her family.
Much higher tourism value for the delegates in FL, methinks…
JDinSC on May 13, 2010 at 1:45 PM