Reince Priebus, Rebecca Kleefisch and others react on social media after Milwaukee was selected to host the 2024 RNC
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Milwaukee, it's your turn again to be in the national political spotlight.
Four years after the city hosted the 2020 Democratic National Convention — though it didn't get to reap pretty much any of the benefits because the COVID-19 pandemic forced the event to go almost entirely virtual — Milwaukee will take center stage in 2024.
This time for the Republican National Convention.
While the Republican National Committee won't make it official until next month, there was plenty of reaction to the announcement on social media.
You could say it was quite mixed, to say the least, which is not at all surprising in this swing state and political divide following Joe Biden's win in 2020 as Republicans continue an investigation with little to show and a gubernatorial candidate not ruling out decertifying the results, even though it would be illegal to do so.
Reince Priebus, the former chairman of the Wisconsin Republican Party and the Republican National Committee as well as the White House chief of staff under President Donald Trump, said his party will "have a blast" in Milwaukee.
Thank you to the RNC, Visit Milwaukee, and Chairwoman McDaniel for believing in Milwaukee. We will have a blast - it will be a great way to work together so that the Republican Party and our great country can begin the process of electing a President of the United States. (1/2)
— Reince Priebus (@Reince) July 15, 2022
Rebecca Kleefisch, one of the leading Republican candidates for governor in 2022, is celebrating the decision, while taking a shot at Democrats in the process.
Democrats abandoned Milwaukee in 2020, and when we get to showcase Wisconsin to the nation in 2024, a Republican governor will be there to greet them.
The GOP was born here, and we’re ready to celebrate our legacy of freedom and put a Republican back in the White House. https://t.co/H9e14o5Gr9— Rebecca Kleefisch (@RebeccaforReal) July 15, 2022
Former Republican Gov. Scott Walker, who also was Milwaukee's County Executive from 2002-10, offered up his excitement.
.@GOP pic.twitter.com/cn4mu3cfUz
— Scott Walker (@ScottWalker) July 15, 2022
Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow, who also serves as chairman of the Wisconsin Republican Party, said it was "inspiring" to see the community come together for the opportunity to host the convention.
Exciting news today! Watching the Milwaukee community come together to bring this major event to Wisconsin has been inspiring.
Looking forward to the final decision from the full @GOP! https://t.co/lGRFNQ8KTZ— Paul Farrow (@PaulFarrowWi) July 15, 2022
Milwaukee's tourism organization is ready for the economic boost that the convention will offer.
The RNC’s Site Selection Committee has chosen Milwaukee to host 2024 RNC! This convention will bring roughly 45,000 attendees from around the country, giving a much-needed boost to Milwaukee businesses that serve Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike. pic.twitter.com/POqtwKeAmJ
— VISIT Milwaukee (@visitmilwaukee) July 15, 2022
There aren't many dull political moments in Wisconsin these days, as Kristin Brey, the founder of As Goes Wisconsin who also works part time for the Journal Sentinel as a video columnist, notes.
Never let anyone tell you Wisconsin is “boring”. https://t.co/yDoovfDqw9
— AsGoesWisconsin (@AsGoesWisconsin) July 15, 2022
There were plenty who saw the convention coming to Milwaukee as a big "win" for the city.
Smart choice for the GOP as Wisconsin is likely a must-win for any Republican Presidential candidate in 2024, although the actual impact of these conventions is doubtful https://t.co/MrQ6CRACka
— Political Election Projections (@tencor_7144) July 15, 2022
This is great for the city of Milwaukee. https://t.co/BwO8zXxP0h
— Edward DeShazer (@EdwardDeShazer) July 15, 2022
This is absolutely huge for Milwaukee after losing out on the DNC cause of Covid in 2020 https://t.co/rDAMXeoEze
— Mark Podskarbi (@MVP21) July 15, 2022
Excited to host the Republican National Convention and all that it will do for our community. Welcome @GOP to our beautiful city! https://t.co/k9UHr59ZMj
— Anna Schryver (@anna_schryver) July 15, 2022
Not everyone was pleased, however.
Awful. Just terrible. I cannot believe any elected official in Milwaukee was okay with letting these people host their convention in Milwaukee. A complete failure of leadership on their part. https://t.co/N64YbMSlsz
— Andy Suchorski (@AndySuchorski) July 15, 2022
Why pick a Liberal city? Pick anywhere in Florida or Texas https://t.co/AQtvLzqXaD
— Mr Deplorable Dante 🔴🇺🇸 🇨🇱 (@danteknight92) July 15, 2022
Contact Christopher Kuhagen at 262-446-6634 or at christopher.kuhagen@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ckuhagen and our newsroom Instagram accounts at MyCommunityNow and Lake Country Now.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee set to host 2024 RNC. Rebecca Kleefisch, Scott Walker react.
