Philadelphia named finalist to host Democratic National Convention

Get ready for 2016 — Philadelphia is one step closer to hosting the Democratic presidential national convention two years from now.

The Democratic National Committee, also known as the DNC, announced on Monday that Philadelphia will be one of three finalists that could host the party’s 2016 national convention, eliminating Birmingham, Ala., and Phoenix, Ariz., as potential hosts for the convention. Brooklyn, N.Y., and Columbus, Ohio are the two other potential finalists. The DNC will make the final decision about the host city in the next few months.

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter praised the DNC’s decision on Monday in a press release, noting that “for the Democrats, the road to the White House leads right through the city of Philadelphia.”

While the DNC has not yet selected a date for the convention, it is considering hosting it during the weeks of July 18, July 25 and Aug. 22. The 2016 Republican National Convention, set to be held in Cleveland, will likely occur by mid-July at the latest, putting it before the Democrats’ convention.

If the convention were to be held the week of Aug. 22, it would likely coincide with New Student Orientation, which Penn Democrats Political Director and College junior Sean Foley said would be a great opportunity for new and returning students.

“If Philadelphia receives it, I think there would be a huge wealth of opportunities for Penn students to get involved,” Foley said.

Politicians and politically active students are already excited by the prospects that the convention could bring to the city.

“We think that ... it’s really exciting for the national spotlight to be on Philadelphia,” Vice President of College Republicans and College sophomore Jennifer Knesbach said. Nutter called it “terrific news” for the city.

“Having [the convention] a SEPTA ride away would be an amazing opportunity,” Foley said.

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