Benny's: The life of the Republican Party...

Restaurants across Denver have been booked for real political parties during the DNC. All the usual suspects -- the Capital Grille, the Buckhorn Exchange, Dixons -- have been contracted, and in some cases closed, for private events.

And then there are the unusual suspects. Yesterday, I was stunned to see that Benny's Restaurante Y Tequila Bar will be closed tonight, August 24, for an exclusive bash. And who's shown the good sense to book this bastion of potent margaritas and sloppy, Colorado Mex?

The Republicans. Specifically, GOP powerhouse lobbyist Mike Beasley, a Benny's regular.

Look for plenty of green at Benny's Sunday night. And we're not talking chile. -- Patricia Calhoun