Philadelphia picked for 2016 Democratic convention

The Democratic National Committee on Thursday selected Philadelphia as the site of the party’s 2016 national convention, citing the city’s experience in hosting large-scale events.

Philadelphia, renowned for attractions such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, edged out Columbus, Ohio, and New York City for the opportunity to host delegates from across the country for a presidential nominating convention to be held much earlier in the election year than in previous cycles.

Last month, Democrats announced the convention would be held the week of July 25, 2016, several days after the Republican National Committee is scheduled to hold its convention in Cleveland.

The Democrats’ decision to schedule a convention so close to the Republicans’ is viewed by some as an effort to slow any momentum the new GOP nominee will have coming out of the convention as he or she looks to benefit from the committee’s general election funds.

The Republicans’ choice of Cleveland renewed a debate over whether putting a party’s convention in a swing state such as Ohio can help tilt the vote in that state, though that strategy hasn’t held up in past election cycles.

Pennsylvania’s 20 electoral votes are coveted in presidential elections. President Barack Obama won the state in 2008 and 2012.

Logistics are also a factor in convention site choices: In a conference call with reporters Thursday, Democratic officials lauded Philadelphia for its public transportation and 18,500 downtown hotel rooms that are close to Wells Fargo Center, the convention’s venue.

“Delegate experience is important. We want our delegates to leave the convention energized,” said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., the DNC’s chairwoman.