As Republicans gather in Tampa, could next convention be heading Cleveland's way?

TAMPA, Fla. - It's tough to look around Tampa and the air of excitement surrounding the Republican National Convention and not think about what could have been in Cleveland in 2008.

That's the year the city made a legitimate push to host the RNC and was a finalist, along with New York and the eventual winner Minneapolis - St. Paul.

The event was to be held at Quicken Loans Arena, two massive tents would have been set up outside for office space with the media taking up shop in the Higbee Building, which is now home to the Horseshoe Casino.

"We were really close the last time and there were just a couple of factors that kept us from getting it," said Cuyahoga County Republican Chair Rob Frost.

If Cleveland was a strong contender in 2006, Ohio Republican Chair Bob Bennett thinks a similar effort in 2014 to land the 2016 convention would be a no-brainer.

"Particularly with the opening of the casino, the medical mart, the convention center, all of those would be attractions for Cleveland in the future," said Bennett, who would like to take the shot.

"I'm going to work with the mayor and we're going to try very hard to get convention to Cleveland," he said. "I think it really showcases the city nationally and internationally."

When Cleveland made its push in 2006, they projected a conservative economic impact of $31 million for Cleveland and $88 million for northeast Ohio for hotels, meals, transportation and other purchases, in the ballpark of what was projected in Tampa.

The Tampa Bay Host Committee is raising and spending $55 million in support of the convention, while in 2006 was looking at a budget of $75 million.

Count Gov. John Kasich among those who would back a Cleveland bid.

“Look we got the hotels, we've got the convention center and we have so many other things,” said Kasich.

“It's something for me to really think about how do we begin to get our oar in the water on this absolutely. Whether it's a Republican convention or Democratic convention. I think it would be great for Cleveland and I think we could fit the bill, I do."

One of those they'd have to convince would be RNC Chairman Reince Priebus, who agreed with the enthusiasm of the Ohio delegation for Cleveland.

"I think Cleveland would be a great place for a convention. It's an important place, it's a big state, you know. Downtown is beautiful with so many improvements down there. We'd love to be there," Priebus said.

Plus, Cleveland has one advantage that Frost said can't be overlooked: "We don't have Hurricanes in Cleveland."