Cost, hassle keep other cities away

Some want no part of hosting Dems' 2012 convention. Leaders here think we'd do 'just fine.'

(By Christina Rexrode, CharlotteObserver.com) - Charlotte leaders are courting Democrats with vigor, hoping to get picked to host the party's national convention in 2012. But some other cities have taken a more skeptical approach, even declining to bid for the conventions. They've cited tight budgets and the headaches that residents would have to endure, among other drawbacks.

In May, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter declined to have his city bid for the 2012 convention. In a letter to the Democratic Party, he cited "the extraordinary economic challenges we are facing," the "impact on local residents and businesses," and "diversion of attention and resources away from key initiatives of my administration."

"You've heard the adage that you've got to spend money to make money," said Doug Oliver, the mayor's spokesman. "But if you don't have it, that makes it difficult to do."