Nashville expected to bow out of RNC race Tuesday, clearing the way for Milwaukee to host

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MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The final barrier standing between the city of Milwaukee and the Republican National Convention could fall this week as the city of Nashville weighs a last-ditch effort to woo the Republican party.

Nashville's plan is expected to be voted down Tuesday, clearing the way for Milwaukee to be selected.

The late developments may be moot after the Republican National Convention's site selection committee already voted to recommend Milwaukee as host. But until it's officially announced, Nashville still has a shot at winning the bid.

Tuesday evening the Metropolitan Nashville Council will vote on a framework agreement with the RNC.

It includes revised language that would address fees and payments. Several weeks ago those concerns caused some Nashville councilmembers to withdraw the city's bid for the RNC.

But those issues were resolved, and Nashville is technically still in the running to host the 2024 convention.

Several Nashville councilmembers have expressed that vote will fail regardless, which would leave Milwaukee as the last remaining host city candidate.

Milwaukee's effort to host began last fall and has followed a circuitous path ever since. It has included site visits, financial presentations, and securing tens of millions of dollars in funding.

At one point some Milwaukee councilmembers wanted to negotiate $6 million from the RNC to the city, but it was eventually dropped. In mid-July the Common Council unanimously agreed on the final framework agreement between the city and the RNC.

Milwaukee has always been a lead candidate through every phase of the process. The host committee has touted Milwaukee's infrastructure, hotels, law enforcement capacity, and technological capability.

Tens of thousands of visitors are expected. And despite skepticism from researchers, Wisconsin leaders are confident the convention would bring thousands of new jobs and as much as $300 million to the region in economic impact.

The long waiting game could end soon. This week 168 delegates are meeting in Chicago and will vote on the RNC host city. An announcement could come as early as this week.

On local radio Monday the chair of the Wisconsin GOP said he's 99.99% sure Milwaukee will secure the convention.

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