NEWS AND OPINION:
Some flattering reviews of the Republican Party are now circulating in Milwaukee — site of the four-day Republican National Convention, which begins on July 15 and will host some 50,000 delegates, officials, politicians, guests, journalists and broadcasters.
Local folks are pleased for a very specific reason.
“Estimates put the number of people coming into the area at 45,000, with an estimated financial impact of $200 million, according to Visit Milwaukee. All those visitors will need a place to stay, and the city proper has about 6,000 hotel rooms, necessitating a need to draw on lodgings from as far away as Madison, Lake Geneva and Sheboygan. But the RNC made a commitment to keep its guests in Wisconsin,” reports the Waukesha County Freeman, a local news organization.
The gesture to benefit the local economy was appreciated.
“We think that it was a stark difference from the Democratic National Convention that was slated to happen in 2020 here. They sought other hotels — frankly a lot of hotels outside of Wisconsin, specifically Illinois. So we made a commitment from the get-go that all of our hotel placements would be in Wisconsin,” Jacob Fischer, spokesman for theconvention, told the newspaper.
The Janesville Gazette, meanwhile, noted that local bus companies won contracts to supply 500 buses, shuttles and golf carts for the event.
“The 2024 Republican National Convention will send a tidal wave of activity throughout the Milwaukee area, at dozens of local venues where groups of delegates will gather for smaller-scale events ranging from breakfast meetings with keynote speakers to post-gavel cocktail receptions,” advised the Milwaukee Business Times.
Indeed. The Milwaukee 2024 Host Community now has 1,014 entries on its official vendor list for the big event — which will take place at Fiserv Forum and Wisconsin Center District — Milwaukee’s convention center “campus” which includes Baird Center, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Panther Arena and the Miller High Life Theatre.
Curious about all this? Find the big doings at GOPconvention2024.com.
SAFEGUARDING THE ‘SAVE’
Heritage Action, a conservative grassroots organization with 2 million activists nationwide, has sent a letter to the U.S. House Committee on Administration in support of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act (H.R. 8281).
The legislation, which would require states to ask for proof of citizenship when registering voters, was considered by the committee on Thursday. The organization is concerned about one aspect of the legislation in particular.
“It is undeniable that the current structure makes it possible for illegal immigrants and noncitizens to vote — and the American people have no way of knowing how widespread the problem may be,” advised Ryan Walker, Heritage Action executive vice president, in a letter to Reps. Bryan Steil of Wisconsin and Joe Morelle of New York.
“The SAVE Act puts all of these issues to rest and gives Americans confidence that our elections are decided on a more even playing field. In a crucial election year, voters’ faith in the security and integrity of our system is essential for our republic,” Mr. Walker wrote.
The SAVE Act was introduced by Rep. Chip Roy, Texas Republican, and currently has 67 cosponsors in the House.
ON THE RADAR
One Iowa lawmaker has much to think about on June 1. She’s the Republican of note at the annual “Roast and Ride” event for motorcycle and barbecue enthusiasts in the midwest.
“Come join us at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines for a day that encapsulates the essence of the Hawkeye State: motorcycles, hog roasts, and special guest Sen. Joni Ernst,” the organizers said in a message to Inside the Beltway.
The ride itself draws a large and happy crowd, raises money for military veterans and is closely chronicled by the press.
“The day’s festivities will kick off at the Big Barn Harley Davidson with a motorcycle ride honoring those who’ve served our country and will end with a day of activities, Iowa BBQ, and guest speakers at the fairgrounds,” the message noted.
Other guest attendees include such Iowa Republicans as Gov. Kim Reynolds, Sen. Chuck Grassley, and Reps. Wesley Hunt, Ashley Hinson, Zach Nunn and Randy Feenstra.
Mission Iowa is the actual host of Roast and Ride, by the way.
“We are a group committed to celebrating and promoting the conservative policies and people that have made Iowa strong,” the group notes in a mission statement.
WEEKEND REAL ESTATE
For sale: The Estate of Delaplane Manor, a classic country manor house built in 1921 on 75 acres in Delaplane, Virginia. Ten bedrooms, 10 baths, grand foyer, original woodworking, interior columns, 11-foot ceilings; 9,579 square feet. Property features a 30-foot by 17-foot living room and “banquet sized” dining room, chef’s kitchen with breakfast room and large pantry, separate kitchenette on second floor, two “three season” sunrooms. Swimming pool with pool house, mature trees, barn, estate-style fencing and driveway, detached garage; manicured grounds include pond, nearby creek and panoramic views of the countryside. Priced at $3.9 million through Mcleanfaulconer.com; enter VAFQ2007826 in the search function — and click on the property photo to access the listing.
POLL DU JOUR
• 46% of U.S. adults would be “very upset” if the candidate they support in the 2024 presidential election lost; 64% of Democrats, 52% of Republicans and 32% of independents agree.
• 54% of women and 38% of men also agree.
• 25% overall would be “somewhat upset” if their candidate lost; 21% of Democrats, 28% of Republicans and 29% of independents agree.
• 24% of women and 26% of men also agree.
• 11% would be “not so upset” if their candidate lost; 6% of Democrats, 9% of Republicans and 17% of independents agree.
• 10% of women and 12% of men also agree.
• 15% overall would not be upset at all if their candidate lost; 8% of Democrats, 9% of Republicans and 20% of independents agree.
• 8% of women and 22% of men also agree.
• 2% don’t know how they would react; 2% of Democrats, 2% of Republicans and 2% of independents agree.
• 3% of women and 2% of men also agree.
SOURCE: A Quinnipiac poll of 1,374 registered U.S. voters conducted by telephone May 16-20.
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• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.