The role of the Twin Cities (and to some extent Denver for the Democrats) as the host for the Republican National Convention offers significant contrasts from recent conventions. Both the Republican and Democrat Conventions this year have been held in smaller metropolitan areas. The Democrats held their convention in Los Angeles in 2000 and in Boston in 2004. The Republicans were in Philadelphia in 2000 and New York in 2004. In New York City, all delegations were staying within a few blocks of Times Square. Here they are scattered throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Bloomington.

The thing that is unique about the Twin Cities is that the Convention proceedings will take place in St. Paul but many of the other activities will be in downtown Minneapolis. For example, the Kentucky delegation is staying at the Hyatt Regency (the HQ hotel for the RNC) in downtown Minneapolis. The two downtowns are about 10-15 minutes apart which means that logistics will become very important for most delegations going back and forth for scheduled events. It also means that the crowds will be split between the two downtowns.