Politics aside, the Republican National Convention here in St. Paul is a much more pleasant experience than the Democratic National Convention was in Denver, a least for reporters that is.

There are more and better food choices near the workspace, a workspace that is connected to the convention hall as compared to trailers in a parking lot.  The arena concourses are bigger and so are the suites where we do live shots.   There are cabs waiting outside the gate where you could find none in Denver. 

In another contrast, volunteers from the host committee are inside and outside the hall and they are not only friendly, but helpful.

I just witnessed Mitch Daniels conducting an interview with WBBM from Chicago.  The Republican governor seeking re-election did his best in a 30 hour visit to the Twin Cities to maximize his media exposure.  Satellite interviews arranged by the Republican National Committee and meetings with Indiana media were part of it. 

Its the sort of activity that makes you wonder why Democrat Jill Long Thompson passed up the DNC in Denver.

Our story on the governor’s visit will air at 10 pm on MyNDY and at 11pm on WISH.

Here’s another behind the scenes look from our Chief Photographer Steve Sweitzer.  Today we give you a look inside the skybox we use for our live shots.  As you will see, we fit into a tight space.