Phoenix officials think the city is ready to step up to the big time and host a national political convention downtown.
The city is submitting an initial bid Thursday to host the Republican National Convention in 2012.
Mayor Phil Gordon informed Democratic Party leaders the city plans to bid on their 2012 convention also.
Local boosters say the city can handle a presidential nominating convention after adding new hotel rooms, a $600 million expansion of the downtown convention center and the new light rail system.
Tourism officials estimate that either convention would attract about 30,000 people to the Phoenix area.
