Holland, James visit Boston in effort to bring GOP convention to KC

By NICK SLOAN, nick@kansascitykansan.com

KANSAS CITY, KAN. --- A few weeks after the Unified Government Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution endorsing the 2016 Republican National Convention coming to Kansas City, local officials are in Boston attempting to lure the convention to the metro. 

Unified Government Mayor/CEO Mark Holland and Kansas City, Mo., Mayor Sly James are visiting the northeast this week. 

Kansas City, according to multiple reports, is considered a strong contender to host the 2016 GOP convention. 

Kansas City hosted the 1976 GOP convention, when incumbent president Gerald Ford edged out conservative challenger Ronald Reagan for the Republican Party's nomination. 

According to early economic forecasts, a convention could bring 50,000 visitors to the metro area and an economic impact of $250 million.