Las Vegas a finalist to host 2016 GOP convention

LAS VEGAS — Las Vegas is among the eight finalists vying to host the 2016 Republican National Convention.

Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus announced Thursday morning on Twitter that Las Vegas made the latest cut, along with Cleveland, Cincinnati and Columbus in Ohio; Denver; Dallas; Kansas City, Mo.; and Phoenix.

The party typically nominates an official presidential candidate and adopts a party platform at the convention, which is held every four years.

A group led by Nevada Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki traveled to Washington, D.C., last month to promote the city to Republican officials.

The pitch trumpeted Las Vegas’ tight cluster of large hotels and convention centers, as well as the city’s air access.

But Las Vegas’ reputation as Sin City could work against it in the bid to attract conservatives.