Local Republican Leader On Philadelphia Hosting The DNC: 'I Just Think It's Fantastic'
By Mike Dunn
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- So how do Philadelphia Republicans feel about the news that the Democratic party will choose its next presidential nominee right here in the city next year?
"I just think its fantastic."
That's the reaction to word of the DNC coming here next year, not from a Democrat but from Brian O'Neill, who is the Republican leader on City Council. He doesn't doubt that thousands of Democratic delegates, and the eyes of the world, will be good for the city.
"I think its terrific as a marketing tool for the city of Philadelphia."
O'Neill says the DNC decision shows how much the hospitality industry has grown since 2000 when Philly hosted the GOP convention.
"When we had the Republicans in here, we weren't big enough with hotels and everything else to even think about an even larger Democratic convention. And I think how spectacularly we handled the Republicans is still in everybody's memory."
O'Neill represents the tenth district in the far northeast and is the longest-serving member of City Council.
