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A “Make America Great Again” hat is raised during a Republican event. Dallas will host the party’s first national midterm convention Sept. 9-10 at the American Airlines Center.<\/p>\n
Smiley N. Pool\/Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n
What is this event?<\/p>\n
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The Republican Party’s first national midterm convention<\/a>, centered on President Donald Trump and the November elections.<\/p>\n When and where is it?<\/p>\n Sept. 9-10 at the American Airlines Center<\/a>.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Is this a traditional national convention?<\/p>\n No. Republicans are not nominating candidates or conducting major party business.\u00a0Trump billed it <\/a>as \u201ca RALLY like none other\u201d in \u201cone of my favorite places in the World.\u201d<\/p>\n Who is expected?<\/p>\n Trump and top Republican elected officials<\/a>, donors, activists and thousands of supporters from across the country.<\/p>\n Who else?<\/p>\n Trump said the event also would feature entrepreneurs, manufacturers, first responders and entertainers.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n How many people are expected?<\/p>\n Organizers have projected about 20,000 attendees each day<\/a>.<\/p>\n Can anyone attend?<\/p>\n Texas and other states are\u00a0selling donor packages<\/a> to serve as a “delegate,” while others are selecting attendees through applications, invitations or other methods.<\/p>\n How much do tickets that include delegate status cost?<\/p>\n Packages range from several thousand dollars for floor access and hotel accommodations to lower-priced options with fewer benefits.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n How is that different from a traditional presidential convention?<\/p>\n Delegates generally are selected through presidential primaries and caucuses to represent a candidate, though the rules vary by state.<\/p>\n Will the party adopt a platform in Dallas?<\/p>\n No major platform debate or formal party business is planned.<\/p>\n Why does it matter?<\/p>\n Organizers say the gathering will help shape Republican messaging and fundraising heading into the November elections.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n What about the Democrats?<\/p>\n Democrats have derided the event as a political “circus,” saying Texans are more concerned about everyday costs.<\/p>\n Will there be protests?<\/p>\n Dallas officials expect demonstrations<\/a>, and designated protest areas may be established.<\/p>\n How much will the convention cost?<\/p>\n