A Cleveland vs. Cleveland matchup in 2016 would be interesting, as Impy noted they haven't tried to compete with each other in the same city since 1972. They even used the SAME convention location that year (Miami Beach Convention Center, which must have been really happy to get all the attention), one week apart. In 1948, both the GOP and RATs had a convention in Philadelphia, but different locations (RATs were in Convention Hall, GOP was in Municipal Auditorium). I think both parties also had the same chaplin for the closing prayer that year, something that was repeated in 2012... and certainly won't be repeated in 2016. (Best case scenario would the lunatic RATs invite a Muslim Iman to give the closing prayer in 2016, and he uses the opportunity to denounce gay marriage as satanic). Plus if the RATs choose Cleveland in 2016, Kookcinich will demand a speaking slot.
The RATs REALLY want to win Arizona, but every time they gloat that immigration will put the state "in play" for them, Republicans win statewide easily without breaking a sweat. The Dems chased their delusional "we're gonna win AZ" fantasy last time around, and the GOP did it with "we're gonna win over Jewish voters". Both parties are undeterred by reality slapping them in the face and are predicting victory in those areas again in 2016.
If I had to bet money, I'd say both parties duke it out in Ohio in 2016, but the RATs end up in Columbus while the GOP goes to Cleveland. Boring. And if I were the RATS, I would have chosen Cincinnati as a "finalist" instead. Then they'd be symbolically waging war for control of Ohio on opposite end of the state.
I think there is a problem in that only a limited amount of locales can really logistically handle such political conventions. There was talk of holding it in Nashville (GOP), though I think despite a brand new gargantuan convention center, we may have lacked for hotel rooms.
Most cities, of course, are Democrat. A “Republican” locale would be holding it in some suburban place (though again, they’d lack the facilities). After San Diego, I believe Indianapolis is the next largest city with a GOP Mayor (but the city has been experiencing an epidemic of murder, perhaps not the best place to hold a convention). I might even suggest Las Vegas, but the summertime is horrid. Albuquerque, which has a GOP Mayor, could be an interesting choice (to showcase Gov. Martinez), and has been in the doldrums and could use a shot in the arm.
Cleveland really doesn’t seem to be the most brilliant choice (if to go with Ohio, hold it in Cincinnati). Cuyahoga County votes 70% Democrat in Presidential races and hasn’t gone GOP for President since 1972 (and even Nixon got just under 50%). In fact, it’s the most Democrat county in Ohio, and one of the few locales where Zero’s performance INCREASED over 2008.