IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCCEED...

Two top area fundraisers, developers Al Austin and Richard A. Beard, III, have reportedly approached Tampa mayor Pam Iorio and other officials about the prospects of bidding to host the 2008 Republican National Convention.

The Cigar City had been a finalist to host the GOP last year, but lost to New York. The Big Apple had been a sentimental favourite to highlight President Bush's leadership following 9/11, and there were some concerns about wheather Tampa had enough hotel rooms to accomodate the number of people who would attend. By 2008, there will reportedly be 27,000 rooms in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.

If selected, it would be a busy year for Tampa, as the convention would be only months before the city would host the 2009 Super Bowl.

Iorio says that while Tampa is interested, no decision would be made until the Republican National Committee disclosed what the requirements would be for cities to host the event.