State GOP Picks DM over CR

The Republican State Central Committee voted last night to hold the June state GOP convention in Des Moines. Sioux City and Cedar Rapids were also in the running to bring 3,000 Republicans to town.

Here's the GOP's news release:

Des Moines to Host 2010 Iowa GOP Convention

 DES MOINES – The Republican Party of Iowa tonight selected Des Moines to host the 2010 Iowa GOP State Convention, which will be held Saturday, June 26 at the Iowa Events Center.

The 17-member Iowa Republican State Central Committee formally approved the selection of Des Moines this evening. Sioux City and Cedar Rapids were also finalists.

“All three cities would make great locations for our state convention. Unfortunately, we can only choose one city,” said Iowa GOP Chairman Matt Strawn. “I want to thank the leaders of Sioux City and Cedar Rapids for enthusiastically inviting us to their communities. Each community had strong advocates on the Committee, but a clear majority favored our centrally-located Capital city.”

Strawn noted that he was pleased by the competitive and open selection process. “Ours is not a top-down party and this decision has been guided by Republicans all across Iowa,” he said. “There is little doubt that this convention-selection process has generated more attention and input from Republican activists across the state than at any time in recent history. This decision is reflective of the will of Republicans statewide.”

The 2010 Iowa GOP State Convention will feature 2,000 delegates and 1,000 alternate delegates from around the state who will meet in Des Moines to finalize the Republican Party of Iowa Platform and conduct other party business.

Prior to the State Convention, delegates will attend conventions in each of Iowa's five congressional districts. Districts two, three and five will meet Saturday, April 24. Districts one and four will meet Saturday, May 1. Times and locations can be found on the Iowa GOP's website.

It's not surprising that Republicans stuck with their traditional, centrally located site. But it's disappointing that the party didn't throw some much-needed business to our recovering city.

The GOP would have come to town just in time for the Freedom Festival and the Barbecue Roundup. All those folks in patriotic scarves and flag neckties would have fit right in.

Local Republicans, including Mayor Ron Corbett, lobbied for the convention, along with the city's convention and visitor's bureau.

The

Sioux City Journal's Bret Hayworth has his city's take.