(Reuters) - Republicans appear headed to Tampa, Florida, to make the formal selection of their presidential candidate to challenge President Barack Obama in 2012.
The Republican National Committee said on Wednesday it has accepted a recommendation to place the party's convention in Tampa and its members will vote on the proposal in August.
The convention will be held the week of August 27, 2012.
Republicans in 2008 gathered in St. Paul, Minnesota, to pick John McCain as their nominee. For the 2012 event, besides Tampa, they had considered the cities of Phoenix and Salt Lake City.
"The Tampa area boasts state-of-the-art facilities, exciting and vibrant downtowns and a clear enthusiasm from the community to host our convention," said Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele.
Holding the event in Florida could help give Republicans a boost in the November 2012 election in a state that could be key to defeating Obama, who is expected to run for re-election.
Reporting by Steve Holland
Reuters
