Republicans Gather in Philly, Target Pa. in 2016

They haven't won the state since 1988. Could next year be any different?

It’s been a generation since Pennsylvania went Republican in a presidential election, but GOP leaders believe — or say, at any rate — that the Keystone State is still up for grabs in 2016.

That’s why national Republican leaders are meeting in Philadelphia, starting today, for three days, as the party gears up for next year’s presidential run.

TribLive reports:

“We’re making a commitment to Pennsylvania and other crucial swing states across the country,” said Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus. “By investing in Pennsylvania early and engaging in every community across the state, we can make the inroads needed to win in 2016.”

Pennsylvania Republican Party Chairman Ron Gleason said he chose Philadelphia to host the group because it is “where the lion’s share of the vote is in Pennsylvania.” About 45 percent of the state’s 8.2 million registered voters live in Philly’s five surrounding counties, he said.

“We are here to make our case on how we win this state, finally,” Gleason said. “… We have an opportunity here. We have put the right people in place; we have devoted money, people, and have a good message to win over skeptical voters.”

All of the major declared GOP candidates for president have been invited to speak. Agenda items include breakfast panels with former Sen. Rick Santorum and Karl Rove, as well as lunch discussions with Govs. Chris Christie and Scott Walker.