RNC picks Cleveland for 2016 convention site

WASHINGTON — Cleveland was banking on Johnny Manziel to help win GOP convention, and apparently it worked.

A Republican National Committee panel is recommending Cleveland to host the party’s 2016 presidential convention.

The Republicans’ site selection committee on Tuesday reviewed bids from Cleveland and Dallas. Both cities went into Tuesday’s final session as strong contenders and with loyal advocates.

The full 168-member RNC is expected to ratify the choice next month in Chicago.

It’ll be the third time Cleveland is hosting the GOP convention.

Paying for the convention was the top criterion for the 12-member site selection committee. The previous two GOP conventions have sapped party dollars during election years, and party Chairman Reince Priebus has insisted the host city not leave the central party picking up the tab, which is expected to be around $60 million.

“It’s my honor to announce Cleveland as the Site Selection Committee’s recommendation to host the 2016 Republican National Convention,” said Site Selection Chairwoman Enid Mickelsen in a statement. “Cleveland is a phenomenal city, and I can’t think of a better place to showcase our party and our nominee in 2016. This committee was tasked with difficult decisions and was presented with several strong options to host our convention. I’m confident Cleveland is the right pick for our next national convention. Cleveland has demonstrated they have the commitment, energy, and terrific facilities to help us deliver a history-making Republican convention.

Priebus had nothing but praise for Cleveland.

“A Cleveland convention offers our party a great steppingstone to the White House in 2016, and I’m encouraged by the committee’s recommendation,” Priebus said. “The team from Cleveland has gone above and beyond the call of duty and I think they’re representative of a city eager to show the country all the fantastic things they have to offer.

Democrats have not yet picked a host city for their 2016 convention.

CONTRIBUTING: ASSOCIATED PRESS