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Six cities, including Philadelphia, compete for Democratic convention

Philadelphia and five other cities submitted proposals to host the party's 2016 national convention, the Democratic National Committee chair said Saturday.

Philadelphia and five other cities submitted proposals to host the party's 2016 national convention, the Democratic National Committee chair said Saturday.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D., Fla.) said that Birmingham, Ala.; Cleveland; Columbus, Ohio; New York; Philadelphia, and Phoenix had put in bids by Friday's deadline.

"We're thrilled with all the fantastic options that we have going into the next cycle," she said.

The contenders include cities familiar with holding large conventions and unconventional picks. Fifteen cities had been invited to submit proposals.

Cleveland also is bidding for the Republican convention.

Mark McDonald, press secretary for Mayor Nutter, said Saturday that "while we were not certain of the entire field, we were aware of most of them."

McDonald cited comments Nutter made Friday describing Philadelphia's assets and its record of holding large events.

In 2000, Philadelphia hosted the Republican convention. Next year, the Catholic Church's World Meeting of Families could bring two people million here.

The national Democratic organization said that in the coming months, an advisory committee will visit the competing cities. The winner will be announced late this year or early 2015.

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