SALT LAKE CITY — Utah will not be competing to host the 2016 Democratic National Convention, the mayor’s office confirmed to FOX 13 on Monday.
Salt Lake City dropped its bid, saying it wasn’t the right time and its competitors were spending a lot more to woo the massive political event.
“We were very honored to make the short list of potential host cities for the 2016 Democratic National Convention,” said Art Raymond, a spokesman for Mayor Ralph Becker. “Recognizing that a handful of other contenders were already making heavy investments of time and resources in their bid efforts, City leaders opted to sit out this round of competition.”
“While the timing was not right for the 2016 event, we would certainly welcome future opportunities to host the quadrennial national gatherings of either of our leading political parties.”
Salt Lake City was viewed as a long shot to host the 2016 Democratic National Convention, up against Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Miami, Las Vegas and Phoenix.
The Salt Lake County Mayor’s Office noted that a proposed convention center mega-hotel would not be built in time for the DNC, should Salt Lake City win the bid.
