Here are some answers to common questions about the Republican Party's 2004 National Convention.
When is it? Aug. 30-Sept. 2.
Where? Madison Square Garden, New York City, N.Y. A postal building next door to Madison Square Garden will be used as a work center for the media. Other New York venues may host some official events.
Who will be there? For starters, 2,509 delegates and 2,344 alternate delegates, many of whom are also elected officials and party officials. Thousands of journalists will also be there. And numerous protesters are expected to show up along with the thousands of police and security officers who will be on hand.
Why was New York chosen? The party says New York offered the best financial package.
Has the Republican Convention been held here before? No.
Who pays for it? The Republican Party (and the Democrats, too) receives $15 million in taxpayer funds from the Federal Election Commission to pay convention costs. Remaining costs are picked up by the city.
Who's in charge of the convention? William D. Harris, who has been involved in Republican conventions for more than 30 years, is the chairman and will manage daily operations.
What's on the program? Sen. John McCain and former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani will be the featured speakers on the opening night of Aug. 30; California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will share the spotlight on the second night with first lady Laura Bush; Vice President Dick Cheney is the featured speaker on the third night; and New York Gov. George Pataki will be featured on the convention’s final night before President Bush accepts the nomination.
How many hotel rooms will be used? Some 18,000 rooms have been reserved in the Manhattan area for the official convention housing block where delegates and officials will stay. Convention staffers have also procured rooms for the media, convention volunteers and others.
How do journalists get credentials? The approval and distribution of media credentials was delegated to the various congressional press galleries.
Where will the media work? When they're not reporting from in and around the convention floor itself, journalists will have access to the giant Farley Post Office Building across Eighth Avenue from Madison Square Garden. A special pedestrian bridge will let reporters, camera people and others move between the convention and the press building. Some media will get work space inside Madison Square Garden itself; others will work in the nearby Hotel Pennsylvania.
What about security? The Department of Homeland Security has declared the convention —along with the Democratic Convention — a National Security Special Events. Many federal, state and local agencies will work together to provide security.
Where can I get more information? Try the following Web sites for information on specific topics.