The DNCC is extremely pleased that their Host Committee met its goal and raised $15 million for the Democratic National Convention. Denver's mayor, John Hickenlooper, even met with some generous Hollywood elites to make the ask.

Ironically though, the Host Committee for the Republican National Convention also raised--and exceeded--their mid-December goal of $21 million. Jeff Larson, the CEO of the Host Committee won't say how much exactly they have raised but they've promised to raise $60 million.

The money will be used to promote the city, provide a bus system for convention attendees, pay for temporary construction at the Xcel Energy Center and install the technical infrastructure needed by the news media at the Xcel and adjacent St. Paul RiverCentre.

The Host Committee, under contract with the city of St. Paul, was required to have raised 60 percent of its goal by Dec. 15. But Larson said Friday that meant raising 60 percent of $35 million, which he described as the "transferable budget." He said that budget covered "mission critical" expenses such as the construction at the Xcel Center and the technical equipment for the media.

The $35 million does not include items such as the transportation system.

I could ask the Host Committee this question; but they won't answer it, and they shouldn't have to, because they are non-partisan. But, for all those who are thinking it: Don't you wonder how many Democrats and how many Republicans have given to each group? Each convention will be economically beneficial for either city, and for the businesses there, regardless of which party is hosting the party. Are Republicans more generous, (as I've mentioned before) even when it comes to an event like this that both parties can--and will--benefit from?