Location, Location, Location

Members of the Kentucky delegation are clearly benefiting from the stature of several high ranking Kentuckians within the party. Almost all Kentuckians are familiar with Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell. Far fewer know Mike Duncan. Mike Duncan, a banker from Inez, is the chair of the Republican National Committee. His position has helped land Kentucky plum seating at the Xcel Center and rooms at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Minneapolis (the official Convention HQ). By contrast, the Alaska and Tennessee delegations are staying in the rather modest Ramada Inn near the Mall of America. On the floor of the Xcel Center you will find the Kentucky delegates sitting just to the left of the podium. They are seated next to the host Minnesota delegation. Battleground states fill most of the other top seating areas with the Ohio, Florida, and Pennsylvania delegations front and center.