RNC zeroes in on Milwaukee for 2024 convention

Driving the news: The RNC is expected to rubber-stamp Milwaukee as the official location on Aug. 5.

• The only other serious contender was Nashville, a blue city in a reliably red state.
• But the Music City was effectively removed from the mix on Tuesday when council members voted against a draft agreement to host the convention.
• Milwaukee council members approved their draft agreement in June.

Between the lines: Milwaukee would be in the unusual position of hosting national conventions for rival parties in consecutive presidential elections.

• The Democratic National Convention was held in Milwaukee last cycle, which also featured virtual sites around the country due to coronavirus restrictions.

• Wisconsin is not just a bellwether for the presidency; GOP Sen. Ron Johnson is in a competitive re-election race against Democratic Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes.

What they're saying: In July, the RNC's Site Selection Committee recommended Milwaukee over Nashville to host the 2024 convention.

• "It is a testament to the forthright and professional behavior embraced by Milwaukee’s city leaders throughout the process," RNC senior adviser Richard Walters said in a statement at the time.