CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Charlotte leaders say they expect the struggling North Carolina banking center will get a major boost from the Democrats' decision to hold their 2012 national convention in the city.
The city emerged as a banking powerhouse in the 1990s. Growth fueled the construction of skyscrapers and mansions, and helped the city land NFL and NBA franchises. But the recession sapped the region of thousands of high-paying white-collar jobs and fueled racial tensions as cash-strapped schools cut teachers and programs.
But city leaders believe Charlotte is on the cusp of a revival, and DNC chairman Tim Kaine says Democrats believe "Charlotte and North Carolina have a good economic story to tell."
Kaine says Democrats will use the convention to organize and energize the region's voters.
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Associated Press writers Liz Sidoti reported from Washington, D.C. and Tom Foreman Jr. contributed from Raleigh.