Florida Favored to Host GOP National Convention If Trump Moves It from North Carolina
By Robert Duff in Politics News
Published:
- President Donald Trump has threatened to move the 2020 GOP National Convention from North Carolina
- Florida (+150) and Georgia (+250) are favored to host the event if it is relocated
- Are their other states at longer odds that could be in play?
Like a lot of events during the COVID-19 outbreak, the 2020 GOP convention looks as though it might be undergoing some significant reorganization.
The GOP conventions is slated for Aug. 24-27 in Charlotte, NC. However, President Donald Trump is unhappy with North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper. Cooper isn’t reducing the COVID-19-related restrictions in his state rapidly enough for Trump’s liking.
He’s taken to Twitter, his usual bully pulpit, to lambaste Cooper. Trump is threatening to relocate the convention to another state. He’s accused Cooper, a Democrat, of maintaining social distancing practices in order to deliberately disrupt plans for the convention.
A prop wager is out on the ultimate location of the GOP convention. Florida is the +150 favorite, with Georgia (+250) a close second. All wagers will be graded no action if the convention stays in North Carolina.
Odds on Location of 2020 GOP Convention
| State | Odds |
|---|---|
| Florida | +150 |
| Georgia | +250 |
| Texas | +400 |
| Nevada | +500 |
| Arizona | +700 |
| Ohio | +700 |
| Indiana | +1000 |
| Michigan | +1200 |
| Minnesota | +1200 |
| Pennsylvania | +1500 |
Odds taken May 28th.
Both of those locales make perfect sense. Each state was quick to reopen and remove COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. The Governors – Florida’s Ron DeSantis and Georgia’s Brian Kemp – are Republicans who are quick to lavish praise on Trump. And both have stepped forward and stated that they would be delighted to take on the convention.
GOP, Or Not GOP?
Trump labeled Cooper’s action as “suspicious” and gave the governor a week to make plans to open up the state. North Carolina health officials countered by asking the head of the GOP convention committee to show them a plan that would ensure the health and safety of the expected 50,000 attendees.
I love the Great State of North Carolina, so much so that I insisted on having the Republican National Convention in Charlotte at the end of August. Unfortunately, Democrat Governor, @RoyCooperNC is still in Shutdown mood & unable to guarantee that by August we will be allowed…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 25, 2020
Inside the Republican Party, there’s concern. North Carolina is a key swing state. If the GOP turns its back on Charlotte, it could hurt Trump at the ballot box on Nov. 3rd.
There’s also a huge logistical problem of moving the convention at such a late date.
Georgia On His Mind
Kemp was quick to offer up his state for the GOP convention, which wasn’t surprising. When Kemp isn’t retweeting Trump, he’s usually singing the praises of the President.
#NEW: Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is offering to host the Republican National Convention in his state, saying he hopes President Trump "consider" it as North Carolina's lockdown orders may prevent the event from happening in its full capacity as scheduled for August.
— Jenn Franco KESQ (@jennfranconews) May 26, 2020
Among the first to reopen his state, Kemp touted Georgia’s “world-class facilities, restaurants, hotels, and workforce.”
However, Keisha Lance Bottoms, Atlanta’s Democratic Mayor, didn’t think holding such an event in her city would work within the framework of their plan for reopening.
Florida Man Swipes Convention
Not to be outdone, DeSantis also stepped up. He acted hurriedly to roll out the red carpet for Trump. “The door is open,” DeSantis said.
Of all the potential destinations, Florida makes the most sense. Trump is listed as a resident of Florida. He can arrange for dignitaries attending the event to stay at his Mar-A-Lago resort. This way, he lines his pockets while getting his massive ego stroked.
"Florida would love to have the RNC." – @GovRonDeSantis on @realDonaldTrump's push to move the GOP convention out of Charlotte, NC if they do not soon get assurances from the Governor soon that the event can take place as planned.
— Alana Austin (@alana_austin) May 26, 2020
The 2020 Presidential election odds still favor Trump over Democrat Joe Biden. Despite that, the latest polls show Biden leading Trump in Florida.
If Trump wants to win re-election, he can’t afford to lose Florida.
Pick: Florida (+150)
Sports Writer
An industry veteran, Bob literally taught the course on the history of sports at Elder College. He has worked as a Sports Columnist for Postmedia, appeared as a guest on several radio stations, was the Vice President of the Society For International Hockey Research in Ontario, and written 25 books.
