Cleveland Rocked Again

If the Indians once again failing to live up to expectations and the Browns once again stumbling out of the gate wasn't tough enough for Clevelanders to swallow, comes the news that Cleveland loses 2008 GOP convention:

Republican sources have said their 2008 convention will be held in Minneapolis-St. Paul, not Cleveland.

The Associated Press is reporting the decision which had not been expected for weeks, has already been made.

Cleveland pressed hard for the 2008 Republican Convention, wooing decision makers in late August with several days of spectacular events.

AP does not name the sources, but says the decision will send the 2008 convention to Minneapolis-St. Paul.

New York City and Tampa had also been in the running with Cleveland.

The selection was expected to be announced later today, said the Republican source, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

According to the GOP sources, the choice of the Twin Cities over Cleveland would provide a major political punch for the GOP, capturing the media markets in Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota -- all battleground states in the 2004 election.

The convention would be held at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn., home of the hockey team.

An NHL hockey team I might add. Just part of the growing list of things that the Twin Cites has that Cleveland doesn't:

A playoff bound major league baseball team

A respectable NFL team

The 2008 Republican Convention

UPDATE-- Robert e-mails to report that, based on leaks of classified information, his sources are confirming that Hugh Hewitt has already made a reservation at his favorite local hotel for the '08 convention.