DENVER — They're outnumbered by a swarm of Democrats, but national Republicans have set up shop in Denver, hoping to thrust themselves into the media's coverage of the Democratic convention.

The GOP effort includes a "war room" and media center less than a mile from the convention hall and making top Republicans such as Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney available for press conferences and satellite interviews to television stations across the country, especially those in swing states.

There's a new GOP Web site (www.notready08.com) with videos and ads, along with plans for rapid responses to attacks on GOP nominee-to-be John McCain and to Democratic speeches.

Republicans acknowledge they face an uphill battle.

"The reality is that this is going to be Barack Obama's week," said Matt McDonald, senior adviser for the McCain campaign. "We don't have any illusions about the challenges we face in getting our message out, but you can't expect people to cover you if you don't show up."