BHI on the economics of political conventions

Governing magazine takes a look at the costs and benefits of this summer's political conventions. Despite the lack of economic benefits, some convention boosters obviously believe in the oncoming triumph of hope over experience.Conventions rarely live up to the economic windfall.

This year's host locations aren't willing to concede this point. Kirsten Morell, a spokesperson for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, says her agency's analysis indicates that people who shy away from the Twin Cities during the Republican convention will either spend money elsewhere in Minnesota or visit the Twin Cities at another time. Colorado and Minnesota both expect economic windfalls of $160 million or more.