"I think that Democrats have an extraordinarily large tent — people from all walks of life — and Milwaukee is absolutely the best place for them," said Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers. | Scott Olson/Getty Images politics Florida Dems knock Wisconsin governor’s convention ‘hissy fit’

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers pushed back Thursday against Miami-based critics of Milwaukee’s bid for the Democratic National Convention next year, telling his home-state newspaper that they’re missing the mark by talking up their fancy hotels and restaurants like elitists.

"I think that Democrats have an extraordinarily large tent — people from all walks of life — and Milwaukee is absolutely the best place for them," a chuckling Evers told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "If Miami is touting themselves as the place for wealthy Democrats to show up, there won't be many."


Evers’ comments came after Florida Democratic insiders derided Milwaukee in a story about Miami’s pitch to host the 2020 convention.

While the Wisconsin governor says he’s laughing at Miami swagger, Florida officials characterized his response as a “hissy fit.”

Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber, who is leading the South Florida region’s efforts for the convention, sounded surprised with the governor’s reaction. Despite Evers saying Miami’s pitch was both errant and “kind of funny,” Gelber said he wouldn’t return fire.

“I don’t get into hissy fits,” Gelber said. “I’m sure Milwaukee is a very nice city.”

Still, behind the scenes, Miami has made sure to emphasize what they say is the superior quality and number of its hotels for the 16,000 convention-goers. Just six months before the 2020 convention, Miamians note, Super Bowl LIV is coming to town.

Milwaukee’s supply is more limited — Miami organizers contend the city doesn’t have a hotel large enough to house the entire California delegation.

