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Brooklyn Named a Finalist to Host 2016 Democratic National Convention

By Ben Fractenberg | November 24, 2014 4:34pm | Updated on November 24, 2014 5:42pm
 The Barclays Center was named a finalist to host the 2016 Democratic National Convention. 
The Barclays Center was named a finalist to host the 2016 Democratic National Convention. 
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DNAinfo/Jeff Mays

BROOKLYN — The Barclays Center is one step closer to hosting the 2016 Democratic National Convention.

The city was named one of three finalists to host the convention, joining Columbus, Ohio, and Philadelphia, the Democratic National Committee announced Monday.

"Well this a good day, a good day for New York City," Mayor Bill de Blasio said during a press conference at City Hall after the announcement. "We are thrilled, thrilled by the news today that we are one of three finalists for the 2016 Democratic National Convention."

Phoenix, Arizona, and Birmingham, Alabama, were also in the running, but were not chosen, according to the DNC.

De Blasio has been pushing for the convention to come to Brooklyn since the summer.

The mayor said the convention would bring jobs to Brooklyn and pump millions of dollars into the city.  

He added that the Barclays center is a "tremendous venue" and "one of the newest and best arenas anywhere in the country." 

The city will raise more than "100 million dollars to make sure this convention is everything it needs to be," according to the mayor. 

De Blasio could also use the convention to advocate for a more progressive Democratic agenda and raise his national profile.

Senator Charles Schumer said during the press conference that Brooklyn's current renaissance could act as an inspiration for the rest of the country. 

"Brooklyn came roaring back, just like American will and that’s why the Democrats should have their convention in Brooklyn."