Will Dems paint the town blue in 2016?

WASHINGTON

- One of five cities bidding for the Democratic National Convention, Philadelphia appears to hold an early edge with a track record of hosting the major gathering - not to mention that Hillary Rodham Clinton and Vice President Joe Biden have family ties to the state.

"I do think that Philadelphia has a very good chance of getting it," said former DNC Chairman Joe Andrew, who guided the party's selection of convention cities from 1996 to 2004 and supports the city's bid. He noted that Philadelphia was a front-runner for the 2000 Democratic convention, but Republicans picked it first.

Philly has hosted the presidential nominating convention seven times since 1856, most recently the Republican one in 2000. Also vying for the 2016 convention are Birmingham, Ala.; Brooklyn, N.Y.; Columbus, Ohio; and Phoenix - each hoping to host its first presidential convention.

"Philadelphia has a strong bid based on great mechanics, and there's no question that Democrats would like to nail down Pennsylvania," Andrew said.

DNC members will be here for two days starting Wednesday to review potential venues, hotels and transportation options for the estimated 50,000 delegates, party activists and media expected for the convention. Visits to the other cities are to be completed by mid-September.

The Obama White House also will weigh in on the final selection, with a decision not expected until later this year or early in 2015.

A perennial swing state with 20 electoral votes, Pennsylvania more recently has trended liberal. Democratic presidential candidates have carried the state since 1992.

"We're very hopeful about our chances," said former Gov. Ed Rendell, who is helping guide the 2016 bid.

Hillary Clinton's father was born in Scranton, and daughter Chelsea's mother-in-law, former U.S. Rep. Marjorie Margolies, lives in Montgomery County. Biden grew up in Scranton and often touts his middle-class Pennsylvania roots.

DNC officials have stressed that a city must meet logistical requirements - fundraising, ample hotel rooms and local transportation - before political factors such as swing-state status, a city's diversity and strong labor relationships are considered.

Philadelphia boosters are emphasizing their convention experience and space with the Wells Fargo Center and the recently expanded Pennsylvania Convention Center. Officials say they'll be able to handle the $55 million to $60 million price tag and provide ample security.

The national convention is a major boon to the host city, bringing national media attention and up to $200 million for the local economy.