Introduction

Monica Almeida/The New York Times

“What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” is still the city’s coy come-on. But as the city once known for mobsters, high stakes and showgirls becomes a destination for moms, steakhouses and shopping, the Republicans are considering holding their national convention there.

Does it send a wrong message to nominate a president surrounded by roulette wheels and just down the road from legal brothels, or does it merely recognize that Vegas is as American as apple pie?