MILWAUKEE -- A decision on which city will host the 2020 Democratic National Convention is coming down to the wire. We're less than two months away from finding out if Milwaukee gets the bid.
Local leaders behind the push believe recent election results will play in their favor.
One might think that's because there will be more Democratic leadership in the state's top positions, but Alex Lasry believes what's more important is how close those races ended up being.
Lasry is leading Milwaukee's efforts to host the D.N.C. by touting the city's summer weather and a brand new arena.
"We checked all the boxes of what they were looking for," he said.
Lasry said the last checked box came two weeks ago with the state's election results.
"I think what it does is it shows that Wisconsin is still a very politically interesting state," Lasry said.
Razor thin margins decided Wisconsin's governor and attorney general races. Both are shifting from red to blue.
"When it comes to elections, Wisconsin is going to be a true battleground," he said.
Lasry anticipates a second visit from democratic officials next month before they choose between Milwaukee, Miami and Houston. Mayor Tom Barrett likes Milwaukee's chances as the only Midwestern finalist.
"Whether you're a democrat or republican, I think anybody will agree that the Midwest is going to be a battleground in 2020," Barrett said.
Lasry said the event could draw around 50,000 visitors, somewhere between $200-300 million and a week of worldwide attention like the city's never seen.
"I don't think this is about big market or small market, I think this is about what's going to be the city that's going to throw the best party," Lasry said. "I don't look at Milwaukee as a city that can't compete with the New Yorks, San Franciscos, Chicagos, Houstons or Miamis."
