Plans to hold the Republican National Convention in North Carolina have fallen through, and Phoenix is now on the short list of potential new locations. But a Democratic state lawmaker has concerns.
Seeking freedom from coronavirus precautions, Republicans pulled out of Charlotte. Possible host cities now include Phoenix, Dallas, New Orleans, Orlando and Jacksonville.
While fellow Republicans are pressuring Gov. Doug Ducey to offer Phoenix, Democratic lawmaker Rep. Reginald Bolding worries the convention could bring more COVID-19 cases. He hopes Ducey will choose safety.
“He has to step back and meet the moment and say, ‘From a public health perspective, is this the right thing to do when I see people who are dying day after day,’” Bolding said.
Republican officials visited Nashville on Thursday and plan to tour other major cities in the coming days.
Republican Rep. Debbie Lesko says holding the convention in her district would be a big boost for the state’s economy.
“It’s a great location, Glendale has a great history of putting on events," Lesko said. "It would be a huge boon for local hotels and restaurants and the economy. A couple days ago the RNC wasn’t even talking about Arizona, and now they are.”
