'Earth-shattering event': Republicans brace for busy summer ahead of 2024 convention
MADISON Wis. (CBS 58) – Believe it or not, a year from now the Republican National Convention will be over. But the work is just getting started in Milwaukee.
Organizing the biggest political stage for Republicans is no easy task, but it’s one Wisconsin native Reince Priebus is familiar with.
The former White House Chief of Staff and chairman of the Republican National Committee is now leading the 2024 Milwaukee Host Committee whose mission is to make sure the convention has all the tools it needs to be successful.
“This really is going to be an earth-shattering event in Milwaukee. It’s like four super bowls in a row,” Priebus said.
The host committee is tasked with raising money for the convention. Their fundraising goal is upwards to $69 million.
Priebus said they are in “solid shape” to reach that goal despite recently losing $9 million from a $10 million proposal earmarked for VISIT Milwaukee, the city’s tourism hub, to help them cover convention costs.
Gov. Tony Evers slashed funding in the state budget that left $1 million for VISIT Milwaukee while allocating the remaining $9 million to the state Department of Tourism for general marketing purposes.
“Would we have liked to get the full $10 million, of course we would have to help with the preparation for the RNC, but we are still thankful for the money we did receive,” said Peggy Williams-Smith, president & CEO of VISIT Milwaukee.
Williams-Smith and Priebus both believe there could be other avenues to make up for the loss in revenue by working with tourism officials and other stakeholders.
Busy August
Next month will be a “mini tryout” for the city ahead of the 2024 convention. When delegates arrive Aug. 23 for the RNC’s summer meeting, Milwaukee will also host the first GOP primary debate and hold a vendor fair -- an opportunity for 300 businesses to showcase their products and meet with potential clients.
“They're going to have a taste of what it's like,” Priebus said. “Whether you’re a Republican, Democrat or independent, you like politics, you hate politics, this is about the opportunity for the city of Milwaukee.”
GOP presidential hopefuls have been traveling to early primary states to reach polling criteria in order to qualify for the August debate.
Former President Donald Trump, the Republican frontrunner, has cast doubts on attending, citing his lead in the polls. However, Priebus believes "he's going to debate" because he thinks "it would be very difficult for him to say no."
Public Safety
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said his top priority is public safety as the city anticipates welcoming 50,000 people next summer.
The city has been in communication with the Secret Service on plans for the convention. Johnson said his office is also in close contact with the federal agency that’s setting up 24 separate committees focused on “all matters of public safety.”
“When you talk about a large-scale event like that, public safety is top of mind. It's always top of mind for us,” Johnson said.
Just like other host cities, Milwaukee is working to secure a security grant to pay for law enforcement and other costs associated with securing the event entrance, the perimeter and other areas of the convention.
Both the RNC and DNC are seeking a $75 million security grant instead of the $50 million that’s typically given to host cities in the past.