A trip to Manatee just might seal RNC's interest

Day 2 of the RNC's scrutiny of Tampa-St. Pete for the 2012 convention is under way, with visits planned to Pinellas, Tropicana Field, the Don Cesar and the Vinoy. An impressive lineup, but still no clear sign of Tampa's choices.

As Jim Jones noted in this insert to today's story, officials in Manatee County said they stand ready to help steer business to local hotels and restaurants, should Tampa Bay land the 2012 GOP national convention.

“The people in the Tampa Bay area are as cranked up for anything like this as they would be for a final four,” said Larry White, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Observers suggest that it will take more than standing in the wings to get a piece of this political pie. Why keep Manatee County a secret?

Read more: http://www.bradenton.com/2010/03/30/2168702/tampa-bay-eyed-for-2012-gop-convention.html#ixzz0jgBOpIAE