DNC/RNC conventions and campaigning

General - I think it's mostly tradition. There was a NY Times article that said Kerry would speak at an American Legion convention because it had already been scheduled.

Also, because the election was so close (or something...paraphrasing.)

I think the rest of the time, the article said, he'd be vacationing at one of his homes (can't remember which one.)

No specific rule or law as I understand it, just a courtesy.

I heard that it was a courtesy and George seemed to have adhered to it this time around.