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Florida Favored to Host GOP National Convention If Trump Moves It from North Carolina

Robert Duff

by Robert Duff in Politics News

Updated May 28, 2020 · 12:15 PM PDT

Trump signing documents
US President Donald Trump is threatening to move the 2020 GOP convention out of Charlotte if Gov. Roy Cooper doesn't ease up the state's COVID-19 shutdown. Photo by The White House (flickr).
  • 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.

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.

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.

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)

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