By Mark Preston - CNN Political Editor
Washington (CNN) Local officials in three states are awaiting word Wednesday to see which city national Republicans have chosen to host the partys 2012 presidential nominating convention.
At stake is international exposure and perhaps as much as $170 million pumped into a metropolitan areas economy according to an estimate provided by the Republican National Committee.
Phoenix Salt Lake City and Tampa Bay all bid for the convention and will learn their fates Wednesday afternoon. RNC officials visited each city over the past two months looking at the municipalities infrastructure hotel room capacity transportation accessibility and entertainment options for attendees.
The RNC says that 45000 people attended the 2008 Republican National Convention held in Minneapolis/St. Paul. The convention was responsible for nearly $170 million in new money … generated for the local economy.
Tampa Bay is considered to be well positioned because Florida is a battleground state has 27 electoral votes and the infrastructure to hold such a big event. Salt Lake City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics and choosing the city would be a sign that the Republican Party is reasserting itself in the West. President Obama won Colorado Nevada and New Mexico in 2008 states that President Bush carried four years earlier.
And there is speculation that Phoenixs chances of landing the convention might be harmed because of Arizonas new controversial law dealing with illegal immigrants.
The RNC Site Selection Committees recommendation Wednesday would need to be ratified by the full RNC membership in the summer.
The Democratic National Committee which is considering 10 cities including Charlotte Cleveland Philadelphia Phoenix St. Louis and Tampa Bay will announce its decision in late fall according to a Democratic source with understanding of the process who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
