What is the Republican National Convention?
The 39th Republican National Convention, RNC, in Minneapolis/St. Paul is the nominating convention of the Republican Party. The RNC is a gathering of delegates who will elect the Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates for the 2008 Presidential election.When is the Republican National Convention?
The convention begins on Labor Day, Monday September 1, and runs until September 4, 2008.Who is Coming to the Republican National Convention?
An estimated 45,000 people - delegates, alternate delegates, media, security, support staff and families - are expected in town.2,380 delegates and 2,227 alternate delegates will be in attendance.
15,000 media personnel from across America, and around the world will report on the RNC.
President Bush is scheduled to address the conference on September 1.
John McCain is arriving on the Tuesday, and will accept his party's nomination on the final day of the conference. McCain is technically not the official candidate until he is formally chosen at the conference, but as his rivals have all dropped out of the race and most have endorsed his candidacy, he is effectively the Republican Presidential candidate.
The Vice Presidential candidate - at the time of writing - is still unknown. Here's a gallery of John McCain's choices for his running mate, including Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty.
Where Will the Republican National Convention be Held?
The Xcel Energy Center in downtown St. Paul is the venue for the Republican National Convention.The Rivercentre, next door to the Xcel Energy Center, will be the media headquarters.
Both the Xcel Center and the RiverCentre are being prepared for the Republican National Convention with extensive remodeling, construction of offices, media and hospitality suites, and are being wired with miles of telephone and internet cables.
50 other locations across Minneapolis, St. Paul and Bloomington are official venues for the Republican National Convention, and will be holding one or more events over the four-day conference.
Why is the Republican National Convention Being Held in Minneapolis/St. Paul?
The 2008 Republican National Convention is actually the second RNC to be held in the Twin Cities. The first was held in 1892.The process of selecting the host city for the Conference began back in 2005. Several cities submitted bids to host the RNC. The bids were narrowed down to a shortlist of four: Minneapolis/St. Paul, Cleveland, New York City, and Tampa-St. Petersburg.
In June 2006, Republican National Commission representatives visited the Twin Cities, and in September 2006 the Republican National Commission announced that Minneapolis/St. Paul would host the 2008 Republican National Convention.
In a press release, the Republican National Commission praised the Xcel Energy Center as a conference venue, the benefits of the two downtowns of Minneapolis and St. Paul, and the other venues and attraction in the Twin Cities.
The Republican National Convention is expected to bring an estimated $150 million of economic benefits to the Twin Cities.
How Can I Participate in the Republican National Convention?
After a slow start in recruiting volunteers, the Republican National Convention has filled all volunteer positions and is placing people who want to volunteer on a wait list.As the world's media prepares to swarm on the Twin Cities, the official welcoming committee is calling on residents and businesses to primp and pose for the cameras. The Spruce Up MSP campaign calls on residents and business owners to help with preparation by tidying their yards, planting red, white and blue flowers, and hanging American flags to show the Twin Cities in their best light.
The CivicFest runs from August 29 through September 4, 2008 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. CivicFest celebrates Minnesota and American history, democracy, and the U.S. Presidency, and is designed to introduce conventioneers to Minnesota, and help Minnesotans get involved with the Republican National Convention.
You can be a digital delegate online: Convention events will be streamed live at the Republican National Convention website.
How Will the Republican National Convention Affect Residents of Minneapolis and St. Paul?
Security at the Convention is a major concern. Large numbers of police and emergency personnel will be deployed on the streets of St. Paul to manage protesters, and react to any possible terrorist threats.Many streets and buildings, such as parking ramps, near the Xcel Energy Center will be closed or have restricted access during the conference.
Interstates 35E and 94 will remain open during the conference.
The first day of the Convention is Labor Day, when many offices are closed, which will mean a day less of disruption for many downtown St. Paul workers. September 1 is also the last day of the Minnesota State Fair, which will also ease the pressure on downtown St. Paul attractions.
Several venues in Minneapolis and St. Paul have been booked for Republican National Convention activities. Venues like the Minnesota History Center and the Science Museum of Minnesota will be closed to the public to host Republican National Convention events. The Children's Museum in downtown St. Paul will be reducing their opening hours during the RNC.
Many restaurants are fully booked for the duration of the Convention.
But other businesses will be opening longer to take advantage of Convention visitors, and several local businesses are temporarily opening shop in downtown St. Paul.
As well as locations in downtown St. Paul, venues as diverse as the Mill City Museum, the Mall of America and the Depot in downtown Minneapolis are booked to hold RNC events.
Call ahead or check websites, especially if you are heading to any venue or restaurant in the vicinity of downtown St. Paul.
