Republican National Committee (RNC) chairwoman Ronna McDaniel is revealing there are multiple states that have offered to host the upcoming Republican National Convention.
During an appearance on “Fox and Friends” on Tuesday, McDaniel discussed the uncertainties about the convention and restrictions due to the coronavirus outbreak. In agreement with the president, McDaniel is also pressing North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) for answers.
“The president is right to say to the governor, ‘You need to assure us before we lock in all these hotel rooms and we bring all of this revenue to your state that you’re going to let us have this convention,’” McDaniel said.
She also revealed multiple states have reached out to express interest in hosting the event.
She continued, “There’s a lot of states that are calling the president right now saying, ‘Hey, why don’t you bring that revenue to our state.’”
See McDaniel’s remarks below (starting at 20:00):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLQQPu0CbkM
While McDaniel admitted that the RNC wants to hold the convention in North Carolina, she insisted the governor needs to be transparent about the state’s intent.
“We want to have it in North Carolina. The president loves North Carolina, it’s just the governor and he’s got to work with us,” McDaniel said. “Every state we talk to is saying, we want to nominate the president here. They’re so excited to have that.”
McDaniel added, “But this governor is up for reelection. He hasn’t given us the assurances we need. We need to be able to move forward in a concrete way.”
McDaniel’s remarks come days after President Donald Trump openly criticized Cooper for the possible capacity restrictions due to coronavirus.
While most governors, including Cooper, are still enforcing restrictions on the size of gatherings due to the coronavirus, the president is insisting on holding the convention at full arena capacity, as previously reported on IJR.
The president also threatened to move the convention to another state if Cooper does not make a decision “immediately.”
…full attendance in the Arena. In other words, we would be spending millions of dollars building the Arena to a very high standard without even knowing if the Democrat Governor would allow the Republican Party to fully occupy the space. Plans are being….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 25, 2020
…to find, with all of the jobs and economic development it brings, another Republican National Convention site. This is not something I want to do. Thank you, and I LOVE the people of North Carolina!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 25, 2020
In response to Trump’s complaints about North Carolina, Texas lawmakers expressed their views about if the event were held in the Lone Star state.
“Texas would welcome President Trump and the RNC Convention,” Texas Republican Party Chairman James Dickey said to the Austin American-Statesman. “Until then, based upon Gov. Abbott’s progress in opening Texas, we are on track for our state convention as planned in person in Houston in July.”
However, Democratic leaders in Texas are saying otherwise as they have suggested the president consider using one of his golf clubs for the event.
“Nobody wants Trump in Texas. We recommend he host the RNC at one of his golf clubs,” said a Texas Democratic Party spokesperson.