Republicans to announce recommended site for 2012 nominating convention, Tampa topping list

Tampa leading RNC pick for 2012 convention

OXON HILL, Md. — Tampa appears to be the Republicans’ top choice for their presidential nominating convention in 2012.

Republican National Committee members were meeting Wednesday to recommend a site for the convention, which will pick a nominee to challenge President Barack Obama’s re-election. Finalists besides Tampa are Salt Lake City and Phoenix. Any recommendation from a committee this afternoon would still need formal approval from the full Republican National Committee in August.

Officials emphasized that committee members could surprise the GOP with another choice. But they say that Tampa appears to be the top contender. Florida remains a perennial swing state where a convention could sway undecided voters.