After years of hard work, Friday morning it becomes official. 168 republican delegates are expected to formally approve Cleveland as host city for the 2016 Republican National Convention.
The full Republican National Committee will vote at the Westin Hotel on the selection as Cleveland as host city. Each state gets three votes.
"I think it's a great way for Cleveland to showcase itself. People who came from the RNC, initially I think, were a little skeptical. But I told them, you're going to love what you see," said Ohio Republican Senator Rob Portman.
Cleveland is now at the epicenter of the political universe for the next two years. Cuyahoga County Republican Chairman Rob Frost noted that the convention will cut across the entire political spectrum. "Democrats, Republicans, Independents alike, people who aren't maybe even all that engaged in politics, they haven't been that active, they're excited about this event coming here to Cleveland," Frost said.
Cleveland is ready for its close-up. Senator Portman said he feels confident the convention will not only be a big boost financially, but it will reintroduce Cleveland to America and the world.
"The host committee did a terrific job in Cleveland, so I'm really excited about it. I think it's the right thing for our region to get that economic development. I think it's great for the republican part to be in Cleveland, Ohio," he said.
You can watch the Republican National Committee's news conference at 1 p.m. Friday on newsnet5.com. Follow Chris Flanagan on Twitter with updates from Chicago at @ChrisFlanaganTV.
