Emotions run rampant in streets of N.Y.

NEW YORK — The Utah delegation to the Republican National Convention may have a reputation for its sobriety.

But there is nothing quite as sobering, delegates say, as waking up to the sight of the massive crater where the Twin Towers once stood, a site that is now a makeshift memorial that attracts thousands of people every day paying their respects.

"A lot of (delegates) wanted to stay in midtown (closer to where the convention is being held at Madison Square Garden), but I argued for downtown," said Utah GOP party chairman Joe Cannon. "I am happy with the assignment."

The Utah delegation — 69 delegates and alternates plus family members and some invited guests — are being housed at the Millenium Hilton across the street from the former site of the World Trade Center disaster, where two jets flown by terrorists

forever altered the American political landscape.

The Utah delegation began checking into the Hilton on Saturday in anticipation of the convention, which formally begins Monday and which features a full slate of parties, receptions and political rallies — all staged in the heart of one of the most Democratic areas of the nation.

"This is the first and last time in history the (GOP) convention will be held in New York City," Cannon said. "There is zero reason for Republicans to come to New York City."

The predominance of Democrats has set the stage for massive protests against Republican policies. On Friday, thousands of bicyclists took to the streets to protest President Bush's environmental policies, and on Saturday, 20,000 pro-choice advocates rallied a mere block from the hotel where the Utah delegation is staying.

State Sen. Carlene Walker, an alternate delegate, said the Utah delegation, and presumably the other delegations, have been told to keep a low profile: Don't wear anything that will provoke a confrontation with protesters.

"They told us not to be flamboyant," Walker said. "If the demonstrators are anti-Republican, then it just makes us a target."

Walker said she finds all the convention meetings "fun," but she also has signed up for a full slate of parties and receptions — social events that have to be squeezed in between visits to a new granddaughter born a week ago.

Among the events scheduled for the Utah delegation: a Broadway show, lunch at a soup kitchen, an ice cream social and a farewell bash at the Copacabana Club.