RNC Good for St. Paul?

The claims, of course, are that a big convention like this is great for the host city, but there are a few people who aren't thrilled at the moment.

Hotels aren't full yet, and prices are dropping. Wonkette thinks the candidates with something to lose are staying home instead of being seen with the big names.

Restaurants aren't full either, even the ones that signed exclusive contracts with the RNC for the duration. Even businesses that haven't agreed to exclusivity aren't altogether optimistic. The convention has a large security perimeter, and some businesses within and just next to the perimeter don't expect that they'll be quite the thing the Republicans are looking for. Not fancy enough, especially compared to restaurants in Minneapolis.

But hey, even if the convention isn't as great for St. Paul businesses as expected, it has to be good for the city's reputation right? Raise its profile? Well, maybe, except that both Governor Tim Pawlenty and U.S. Representative Michele Bachmann (both Republicans) have referred to the convention as being in Minneapolis when talking to the press. Oops.

Oh, well. Maybe the bike-sharing program will at least be a success. During the Republican convention. While the bikes can't be brought inside the security perimeter.

Hoo, boy.

Brace yourself, St. Paul.