https:\/\/wfae-od.streamguys1.com\/ip\/InsidePolitics061220.mp3<\/a><\/audio>\nAfter the GOP said Thursday night that Jacksonville, Florida, would host almost all of the Republican National Convention, the local host committee in Charlotte fired back.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
That group \u2013 led by former Republican City Council member and mayoral candidate John Lassiter \u2013 said its efforts had been met with \u201cbroken promises.\u201d It added that the plans for a small business-only convention in Charlotte are, essentially, a farce.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to stop pretending there’s any part of the convention that will remain in Charlotte,” the committee said.<\/p>\n
The Republican National Committee sent the city, county, CRVA and Charlotte Hornets a letter Friday morning outlining its plans for a small Charlotte event.<\/p>\n
The GOP will hold its summer meeting in Charlotte, on Aug. 21 and 22. It may have a few pre-convention committee meetings, although the party platform won\u2019t meet. That means the 2016 GOP platform will be used until 2024.<\/p>\n
The RNC may still use the Charlotte Convention Center, but it said Friday the Spectrum Center won\u2019t be needed. It also instructed the city and host committee to no longer spend money preparing for the event.<\/p>\n
RNC spokesperson Liz Harrington defended the committee\u2019s decision to move to Jacksonville. She said the host committee\u2019s criticism of \u201cbroken promises\u201d isn\u2019t valid.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t believe that\u2019s fair at all,\u201d she said. \u201cWe were always wanting to hold a convention. And rooms of no more than 10 people \u2013 that\u2019s not a convention. That\u2019s what Gov. Cooper was offering us.\u201d<\/p>\n
And Harrington said the RNC\u2019s decision to have a small meeting in Charlotte fulfills its contractual obligations.<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously we still wanted to uphold our obligations, legally,\u201d she said. \u201cAnd so we will have a presence in Charlotte.\u201d<\/p>\n
There are a few remaining questions.<\/p>\n
What happens to the $50 million that Lassiter\u2019s group has raised? Does it transfer to Jacksonville? Or can donors get their money back?<\/p>\n
Harrington doesn\u2019t know.<\/p>\n
The city has spent $14 million buying security equipment for the convention. It\u2019s supposed to be reimbursed by the Department of Justice, but will that money come?<\/p>\n
And was the RNC\u2019s comparison of President Trump to Abraham Lincoln a little over the top?<\/p>\n
In its letter to the city, the RNC noted that Lincoln in 1860 was nominated in Chicago and gave his acceptance speech in Springfield, Illinois, a few days later.<\/p>\n
Just like Trump, who will be nominated in Charlotte \u2013 and then celebrated in Jacksonville.<\/p>\n
Click here<\/a> for the latest coronavirus news on WFAE\u2019s live blog.<\/em><\/p>\nSign up here<\/a> for The Frequency, WFAE\u2019s daily email newsletter.<\/em><\/p>\nWhat questions do you have about the coronavirus? What has this experience been like for you? Share your questions below.<\/em><\/p>\n_<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/wfae.report\/insidepolitics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/convention-center-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n