– The KC RNC 2016 Task Force announced support from former Missouri members of Congress and statewide officials as the group continues to seek support for the city to receive the Republican National Convention.

On Monday, the group – which is working directly now with the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association – announced support from former Governor and U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft, former Gov. Matt Blunt, former U.S. Sen. John Danforth, and former U.S. Sen. Jim Talent for the city’s bid.

“We’re honored to continue receiving support from the most notable and respected political leaders in both Kansas and Missouri,” said Troy Stremming, co-chairman of Kansas City’s RNC 2016 Bid Task Force. “These endorsements show why our effort transcends state and party lines. Together, our leaders and our states can bring the GOP convention back to Kansas City in 2016.”

The group also announced support from Kansas Sens. Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran. Already, Missouri Sen. Roy Blunt and his predecessor, Sen. Kit Bond, have joined the push.

Kansas City has hosted the convention three times before – in 1928, 1932, and 1976. The Kansas City Star reported last week that the Republican National Committee was requesting 18,000 arena seats, 16,000 hotel rooms, and hundreds of busses and volunteers. Kansas City is one of more than a dozen cities competing for the RNC’s bid.

The push for the convention just recently came under the control of the Kansas City Convention & Visitors bureau. Last week, Cathy Nugent – a local Republican insider who was leading the city’s charge – was reportedly pushed out of the process as the project continues to grow.