Republicans put onus back on Democrats as they lay out convention contingency plan

Republicans haven't listed wearing masks as one of the protocols they're willing to implement in order to hold their nominating convention safely and have put pressure back on Democrats over the event.

The Republican National Committee and its convention organizers sent Democratic North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper a letter on Thursday outlining a contingency plan for an "in-person, energetic, five-star event," which was expected to gather 50,000-plus people in Charlotte between Aug. 24 and 27 before the coronavirus pandemic changed protocols on large gatherings.

Instead, the RNC's early proposals included offering antibacterial gel and frequent sanitizing, making pre-travel health inquiries, and conducting daily screenings, such as temperature checks, of the thousands of delegates, officials, guests, and members of the press anticipated to attend. The letter also put the onus back on Cooper to provide details on how the convention can proceed as planned.

“The people who will visit the Charlotte region during the Convention, as well as the businesses and workers who will benefit are looking to you to set the rules and requirements for the RNC to hold a safe, secure event,” RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel wrote in the letter.

“We still do not have solid guidelines from the State and cannot in good faith, ask thousands of visitors to begin paying deposits and making travel plans without knowing the full commitment of the Governor, elected officials and other stakeholders in supporting the convention," she continued.

Cooper and the state Department of Health and Human Services requested the information this week amid escalating tensions with the GOP. President Trump on Monday threatened to move the convention from the crucial swing state as North Carolina slowly reopens following COVID-19 closures. The ultimatum prompted other governors to suggest their states as alternatives given the revenue normally generated by the spectacle.

Cooper expressed confidence on Thursday that North Carolina could host the convention "in a safe way" despite the current ban on gatherings of more than 10 people. A spokeswoman said his office would review the RNC's letter and respond on Friday as part of ongoing conversations between local officials and the party.

Charlotte's Democratic mayor, Vi Lyles, has indicated she'll follow Cooper's advice but said that her city is contractually obligated to support the event.