WASHINGTON, May 23 (UPI) -- The list of potential cities is down to four as Las Vegas and Cincinnati have withdrawn their bids to host the 2016 Republican National Convention due to logistical concerns. Cleveland, Dallas, Denver and Kansas City remain in contention to host the formal announcement of the GOP nomination for president in 2016.

"While the committee understands their decision, both cities made a compelling case for 2016 and would make excellent hosts should they pursue efforts to host a future RNC convention," Selection Committee Chairwoman Enid Mickelsen said in a statement.


Far-right lobbyist group the Family Research Council praised Las Vegas' withdrawal, saying the statewide party does not represent Republican values because it removed anti-gay and anti-abortion language from its official platform.

"We are pleased to learn today that Las Vegas has withdrawn its bid to become a host city -- a decision that comes only weeks after the state party ignited a party-wide firestorm by stripping pro-life and pro-natural marriage language from its state platform," said controversial FRC President Tony Perkins.

Mickelson had kinder words for Las Vegas, saying the city, along with Cincinnati, "made a compelling case for 2016 and would make excellent hosts should they pursue efforts to host a future RNC convention."

RNC officials are expected to decide the convention host by late summer or early fall.