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Republican Convention Preview

August 11, 2008

After 116 Years, Welcome Back

We are excited to host the 2008 Republican National Convention.
It’s been 116 years since the Republican Party last endorsed a presidential candidate in Minnesota. We’ve missed you, and we’re glad to have the party back.

GOP to Party in Very Blue State

The state of Minnesota is, in some ways, the last place you’d expect to find national Republicans meeting.
Sure, it’s competitive politically on the state and local level. And every presidential election year, Republicans talk boldly about winning the state’s 10 electoral votes.

Special Festivals Highlight GOP Convention

But beyond the delegate action and myriad convention floor speeches, there will be plenty to do in the after-hours scene.

Minnesota Puts the Masses in Mass Transportation

When the Straight Talk Express rolls into the Twin Cities for the Republican National Convention, it will be bringing with it 45,000 people scrambling to move between downtown Minneapolis, a hot spot for nighttime activities; Bloomington, a southwest suburb and hotel hub; and St. Paul, home to the Xcel Energy Center, where the convention is being held.

Twin Pleasures: Eating, Shopping

RNC goers: Here’s a tip. St. Paul and Minneapolis are separate cities. If you confuse them, locals are apt to give you the what-for. But politely, of course. This is still Minnesota, where drivers let buses cut in during rush hour and stop to sightsee in the middle of a street.

Where the Delegates Are Staying