St. Paul aims to wow visitors at GOP convention

ST. PAUL -- The last time the Twin Cities hosted a major political party's nominating convention, delegates from the 44 states arrived at Minneapolis' Exposition Building in horse-drawn buggies and street cars, and "Flour City" was derided by some Easterners as a frontier town.

That was in 1892, the first time women were seated at a Republican National Convention.

Things will be a little different this time. The Republican National Convention that begins Sept. 1 will focus attention on a metropolitan area that is the USA's 16th largest, has a lower unemployment rate than the 5.7% national average and more theater seats per capita than any U.S. city except New York. The convention CEO is a woman, Maria Cino.

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman says the 45,000 delegates, alternates, journalists and visitors will get a taste of the area's "vibrant communities, strong economy and a highly ...