2004 Republican National Convention

Venue

The choice of Madison Square Garden on January 31, 2003 by all 165 members of the Republican National Committee as the venue for the 2004 Republican National Convention meant that New York City would host a major Republican nominating convention for the first time in the nation's history. On July 19, control of Madison Square Garden was officially handed over to the Republican Party under the administration of Chief Executive Officer of the Convention Bill Harris. Many critics charged that the selection of New York City was a cynical attempt by the Republican Party to capitalize on the events of September 11, 2001. Mayor Michael Bloomberg thanked the party for their choice, for which he had vigorously lobbied, noting it as a significant display of support for the city and an economic boon.

Related Topics:
January 31 - 2003 - July 19 - Bill Harris - September 11, 2001 - Michael Bloomberg

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Security

Like the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston, Massachusetts, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officially declared the 2004 Republican National Convention a National Special Security Event (NSSE). As such, the United States Secret Service was charged with employing and coordinating all federal and local agencies including the various bureaus of DHS, the FBI, and the NYPD to secure the venue from terrorist attacks. Expected security expenditures reached US $50 million, half of which was funded by the federal government.

Related Topics:
2004 Democratic National Convention - Boston, Massachusetts - Department of Homeland Security - National Special Security Event - United States Secret Service - FBI - NYPD - Federal government

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The city employed an active beat of 10,000 police officers deployed as Hercules teams — uniformed in full riot gear and body armor, and equipped with submachine guns and rifles. Commuter and Amtrak trains entering and exiting Penn Station were scoured by bomb-sniffing dogs as uniformed police officers were attached to buses carrying delegates. All employees of buildings surrounding Madison Square Garden were subjected to thorough screening and background checks.

Related Topics:
Police officers - Amtrak - Train - Penn Station

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Timing

The convention took place in New York City a week before September 11. The attacks were a primary theme of the convention, from the choice of speakers to repeated invocations of the attacks.

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The decision to hold the convention at such a late date sparked a controversy in the state of Illinois. Since the incumbent would accept his nomination on the last day of the convention — a mere sixty-one days before the November 2 general election — Bush would miss the certification deadline to have his name listed on the state's ballot. Illinois statutes require certification of the nomination acceptance sixty-seven days before the election. http://www.lp.org/lpnews/0307/illinois_ballotlaw.html To remedy the problem, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich signed a bill passed by the Democrat-controlled Illinois General Assembly allowing Bush's name to appear on the ballot. http://www.suntimesnews.com/2/news_archive/jul_04archives/0709blag.htm

Related Topics:
Illinois - November 2 - Rod Blagojevich - Illinois General Assembly

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At the convention, there was a tribute to those killed on 9/11, relatives of three of the victims spoke and talked about how 9/11 brought the country together.

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