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SALT LAKE CITY -- Utah Gov. Gary Herbert says he is "hopeful" after meeting with GOP leaders about the possibility of the 2012 Republican National Convention coming to Salt Lake City.
"We think we've got the total package," Herbert told KSL Newsradio's "Doug Wright Show" Tuesday. "We've got great people that are friendly, and we've proven our ability to host the world in 2002 -- so we're a tried and tested commodity that I think stacks up very well."
The convention is expected to draw 35,000 to 45,000 people, and is worth an estimated $170 million.
Officials with the Republican National Committee got a closer look at Salt Lake City Tuesday. The selection committee enjoyed a birds-eye view of the City Creek Center, which would be finished just in time for the convention. They also got a snowy view of the Olympic Park near Park City.
The governor conceded Tampa -- which has come in second in the convention sweepstakes twice -- may be the front-runner for 2012.
Still, that's not stopping Herbert from touting Salt Lake's facilities, workers and weather.
"It's going to be 112 degrees in the shade in Phoenix and maybe worrying about [hurricanes] coming to Tampa -- Utah's going to look pretty good," Herbert said.
Related:
RNC official steps down, but Steele stands firm
The controversy over Republican National Committee spending has led to the resignation of its chief of staff, but party Chairman Michael Steele remains insistent that he isn't going anywhere.Salt Lake City, Tampa and Phoenix are the three finalists for the convention.
The event would be the biggest of its kind since the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, bringing 45,000 people and millions of dollars to Salt Lake.
Staffers for the governor have expressed hope that if Salt Lake is not chosen in 2012, it will be in the future.
"[The governor's] goal is that if he can't get them in 2012, then to do the best pitch possible and see what he can do for 2016," said Angie Welling, spokeswoman for the governor's office.
GOP leaders were continuing their evaluation of Salt Lake City facilities and venues Tuesday.
The governor said Utah is a perfect example of Republican values and Republican principles. Welling said at a time when the country is struggling, Utah is doing much better than most other states largely because of conservative principles.
"We are fiscally conservative," she said. "We still have a rainy day fund, and we have our triple-A bond," said Welling.
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Story compiled with contributions from Andrew Adams and Randall Jeppesen.
