Potential 2016 GOP Convention Host Cities Make Their Case to the RNC...3 / 6 >  

March 3, 2014 - Of all the cities vying to host the 2016 Republican National Convention, Kansas City has been in the hunt for the longest time, holding a reception at the RNC's 2013 Spring meeting.  KC RNC 2016 brought a sizable contingent of about 25 Kansas City leaders and boosters to RNC headquarters. 

Making the presentation for Kansas City were U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO); Kansas City, MO Mayor Sly James, KC2016 Bid Task Force; Linda Bond, Finance Consultant; Terry Dunn, KC2016 Finance Chair and President/CEO of JE Dunn Construction; Mayor Peggy Dunn, KC2016 Finance Chair and Mayor of Leawood, KS; Jack Oliver, KC2016 National Finance Co-Chair, former RNC Deputy Chairman, Senior Policy Advisor, Bryan Cave Strategies; Oscar McGaskey, Executive Director, City of Kansas City, MO. Convention and Entertainment Facilities; and Kevin Pistilli, KC2016 Bid Task Force and President, Raphael Hotel Group.

Afterwards Mayor Sly James, Linda Bond, wife of former U.S. Sen. Kit Bond, and Jack Oliver, whose experience also includes national finance director for then-Gov. George W. Bush’s 2000 presidential campaign, spoke with reporters.  Mayor James ran through a list of the city's attractions, starting with the fact that Kansas City is located "right in the heart of the entire country."  He said the convention would provide an opportunity to show off the city and vowed that Kansas City would put on the best convention since 1976 – the last time Republicans convened there.  James stated that, "No individual will be on a bus for longer than 30 minutes."  Oliver highlighted the fact that the business community is coming together early.  Bond said the 80-member finance team, chaired by Terry Dunn (CEO of JE Dunn Construction Group CEO) and Peggy Dunn (mayor of Leawood) has already begun fundraising.  (According to one member of the Kansas City committee, the group started work towards the $50 million goal in the period from February 18-28).   "I think our chances are great," said Mayor James.

Mayor Sly James.

Linda Bond and Jack Oliver.

Oscar McGaskey, Terry Dunn, Troy Stremming, Bill George, Peggy Dunn (behind Bill George) and Kevin Pistilli.  The support of business and community leaders is vital to the success of a convention bid.

Carla Eudy, an associate at Scott Prenn, is working on the KC RNC 2016 effort; her experience includes senior advisor to McCain-Palin 2008 and finance director on McCain's 2000 presidential campaign.



Mayor Sly James and Jon Stephens, interim president and CEO of the Kansas Convention and Visitors Association.                                                  

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