In 2020, Democrats opted to hold their convention virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic and canceled the event in the city of Milwaukee as hotels and businesses emptied across the country. Republicans staged some of it in the White House, a radical departure from the tradition of conflating the trappings of politics and governance and leading Democrats to accuse the Trump administration of numerous violations of the Hatch Act. . (The law generally prohibits public officials from participating in partisan activities.)
Eight years later, Trump’s presence has become widely known, but his presence is a far more complicating factor. One Milwaukee bar, the Mothership, announced last month that it would be closing for a convention. Owner Ricky Ramirez said, “I have no intention of being involved in tournaments, actively taking money, or renting out space.” Stupid. ”
Some organizations will go all out in Chicago and get a foothold in Milwaukee. The Latino Leaders Network plans to hold a reception for about 150 people at a Milwaukee law firm, said Mickey Ybarra, the group’s president. At Navy Pier, he hosts large events for 750 guests and has a contract to expand to 1,000.
“It’s going to make a huge difference,” he said.
But even in Chicago, there are concerns that major corporations, beyond unions, state delegations and liberal interest groups, are steering away from the Democratic convention as they shun Republicans, President Sam Toia said. Stated. of the Illinois Restaurant Association. As with Milwaukee, talks are underway with such companies, but no deals have been signed yet.
Careless actions by deep-pocketed companies may be keeping some of the biggest and most expensive venues out of the conversation. The Milwaukee Art Museum, designed by famed Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and offering panoramic views of Lake Michigan, has, for example, not held private parties for convention officials or Milwaukee officials, citing cost and not wanting to involve the museum in politics. He said the event will not be held.
