Romney to join GOP's Denver party-crashers

Ex-Gov. Mitt Romney (R): Getty Images PhotoThe Associated Press reports that one week from today, former Gov. Mitt Romney (R-Belmont) will join other prominent Republicans in taking part in counter-efforts to the Democratic National Committee Convention in Denver, Colorado.

On Tues., Aug. 26, the ex-presidential contender will travel to the Centennial State to try and knock the Democrats off message. Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who is one of Romney's top rivals to be John McCain's running mate, will speak in Denver that day, too.

The move is expanding on a tactic the Republicans used during the 2004 DNC Convention held in Boston.

That year, the GOP set up a local office to ensure easier access to the national media's attention, as well as increase their rapid response time and effectiveness. Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former Gov. William Weld and U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.) even held a press conference at the Omni Parker House Hotel on the day Democratic nominee John Kerry delivered his acceptance speech.

According to reports, Republicans have yet to settle on their Denver headquarters.