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Could a scene like this play out in Cleveland in 2016?

(Dirk Shadd, Tampa Bay Times)

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Cleveland has advanced in its bid to host the Republican presidential convention in 2016, two sources with knowledge of the process said this afternoon.

The Republican National Committee later confirmed that Cleveland made the cut.

Also advancing are Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Kansas City and Las Vegas.

Columbus and Phoenix did not make the cut.

A 2 p.m. announcement is scheduled for City Hall.

The RNC had been expected today to trim a list of eight finalists to six.

Leaders from each of the bidding cities traveled to Washington in recent months to make their case. Cleveland’s delegation included Mayor Frank Jackson, Sherwin-Williams Chief Executive Chris Connor and Cuyahoga County GOP Chairman Rob Frost.

By advancing to the next phase, Cleveland this month or next will welcome a small RNC team for what’s known as a “technical visit.” While here, party staff members will study the availability of financing, convention venues, media workspace and hotels.

From there the RNC will make another cut, and if Cleveland survives, leaders here can expect an “official visit” in late May or June from the full site-selection committee.

Cleveland was on the short list to host the GOP presidential convention in 2008 and advanced as far as the official visit stage. The RNC chose Minneapolis-St. Paul.

This story is developing. Check back with cleveland.com for updates.