2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Executive Producer Named for GOP Convention

Executive Producer Named for GOP Convention
David J. Nash 'Back in the Saddle' in Minneapolis-Saint Paul

(SAINT PAUL, Minn.) - With a promise to make the 2008 Republican National Convention the most exciting in GOP history, convention President and Chief Executive Officer Maria Cino today named veteran television and stage producer David J. Nash as the convention's Executive Producer.

Nash will helm his fifth-straight Republican National Convention, to be held at Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center, Sept. 1-4. Nash's executive credits include Executive Vice President of Production at Radio City Music Hall and Director of Technical Operations at the John F. Kennedy Center of the Performing Arts, in Washington, D.C.

"Every four years the Republican National Convention is the center of the political universe, and 2008 will be no different," said Cino. "In Minneapolis-Saint Paul, we will launch Sen. John McCain to the White House by providing him with every tool possible to share his positive message with the American people. David Nash and his talented team will play an integral role in our efforts, and we're pleased to have him on board."

Nash, a native of New York City, got his start on Broadway as a stagehand and has since worked in more than 200 shows along the Great White Way, holding such titles as production supervisor and associate producer. Nash has also produced 17 seasons of the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular in New York and across the nation, as well as American appearances of the Bolshoi Opera and Ballet companies and the La Scala Opera. Mr. Nash also has several television production credits, including the Academy Awards and Kennedy Center Honors.

"It is fun to be back in the saddle again, working on the Republican Convention," Nash said. "It's been four years, and after that time you forget the hard work of the last convention and remember the satisfaction that came with it. I am looking forward to September."

2008 Republican National Convention Names Qwest Official Communications Provider

2008 Republican National Convention Names Qwest Official Communications Provider
Qwest to Provide Range of Services for September Event in Minneapolis-Saint Paul

(SAINT PAUL, Minn.) - To help meet its goal of holding the most tech-savvy convention in history, the Committee on Arrangements (COA) for the 2008 Republican National Convention today announced that Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q) will serve as the Official Communications Provider for the Sept. 1-4 event.

As the Official Communications Provider, Qwest will be the exclusive provider of high-speed Internet as well as voice and data lines for the COA. Qwest also will provide hosting services and 24/7 network management and technical support.

"Qwest will be a terrific partner in planning the 2008 Republican National Convention, and we are pleased to have them on board as our Official Communications Provider," said convention President and Chief Executive Officer Maria Cino. "Qwest's strong ties to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul community make for a natural partnership - and its services will be instrumental in helping us deliver our Republican nominee's message to the American people."

In anticipation of increased network demand in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Qwest plans to significantly expand its fiber infrastructure in and around the Xcel Energy Center, site of the 2008 convention. The company already has surveyed and verified existing network facilities around the Xcel Energy Center, as well as those serving more than 100 major hotels in the metro area, so it can quickly assess build-out requirements as technology decisions are made.

"When the Republican National Convention kicks off in September, Qwest's team of experienced and service-oriented employees, together with our next-generation communications services, will completely change how convention organizers, delegates and the media communicate seamlessly and in real time from the convention," said John Stanoch, Qwest's Minnesota state president. "Qwest's network infrastructure and advanced technology investments for the 2008 Republican National Convention will continue to benefit Minneapolis-Saint Paul, our region, the state and the economy long after the delegates return home."

The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center from Sept. 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the convention. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPConvention2008.com.

GOP Convention Unveils Enhanced 2008 Website

GOP Convention Unveils Enhanced 2008 Website

(SAINT PAUL, Minn.) - Six months from Saturday, the gavel will drop on the Republican Party's most technologically savvy and successful presidential nominating convention ever. To mark the milestone, the 2008 Republican National Convention today unveiled a redesigned and expanded official website, www.GOPConvention2008.com. The newly enhanced site offers visitors more information and greater interactive capabilities, including video features, user-generated content, and a convention blog.

"As momentum builds behind our eventual Republican nominee, the stage will be set in Minneapolis-Saint Paul for our Party's most dynamic and innovative nominating convention ever," said convention President and Chief Executive Officer Maria Cino. "Our redesigned website is a showcase for the Party's principles and convention headquarters for an engaged and excited GOP."

The site will soon feature an expanded delegate section where those attending the convention as a delegate or alternate delegate will be able to learn more about travel planning and the important role they will play in September. For other visitors, the site will also make it possible to share in the excitement of the delegate experience from home. Supporters can soon register to become a "digital delegate" and will be able to participate in convention week activities happening from coast to coast.

The site also features historical videos from past Republican National Conventions. Visitors can watch great moments from conventions past - and are invited to share their own favorite memories. A newly launched convention blog will provide visitors with a behind-the-scenes perspective of convention preparations from members of the team on the ground in Minnesota. Special guest bloggers will also be featured, along with posts submitted from visitors across the country.

Convention planners have also enhanced several interactive features, including the popular CONVENTION iNSIDER, which allows visitors to pose questions about planning and progress in Minneapolis-Saint Paul. The second phase of the website adds an interactive CONVENTION iNSIDER map that allows visitors to see exactly where questions are coming from, as well as who has asked what. Convention staff members have already responded to nearly 500 questions from 46 states and around the world.

These features join the site's existing news archive, convention FAQs, fact sheets, Official Venue Guide, media credentialing information, volunteer registration, and convention newsletters. Visitors can sign up to have the latest convention news delivered to their inbox. Members of the media can request to receive press releases and access applications for credentials.

The enhanced www.GOPConvention2008.com is the latest step to make the 2008 Republican National Convention the most technologically savvy in GOP history.

Previously, Google was tapped as Official Innovation Provider to enhance the GOP's online presence. Google products and applications, including video services provided by YouTube, are being utilized by the convention. As Official Video Streaming Provider, Ustream.TV technology will be used to provide live gavel-to-gavel coverage of the convention, as well as to proactively engage bloggers and traditional media outlets unable to travel to Minneapolis-Saint Paul for the event. As Official Wire Service Provider, PR Newswire will provide simultaneous, electronic distribution of news releases, media advisories, and convention materials.

The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center from September 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media, and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the convention. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please visit www.GOPConvention2008.com.

2008 Republican Primary And Caucus Calendar Map

Google Inc. Will Serve As The Republican National Convention’s Official Innovation Provider

Google Inc. Will Serve As The Republican National Convention’s Official Innovation Provider

SAINT PAUL, Minn.) – Embracing technology that will propel the 2008 Republican National Convention to the forefront of the digital age, the GOP today announced that Google Inc. will serve as the Republican National Convention’s Official Innovation Provider.  Convention President and Chief Executive Officer Maria Cino made the announcement in a unique video posted to the convention’s new YouTube™ channel (www.youtube.com/gopconvention2008).  The video, also showcased on the convention’s website (www.GOPconvention2008.com), highlights Google's cutting-edge, computer-generated SketchUp™ graphics of the Xcel Energy Center, where the convention will be held.

As Official Innovation Provider, Google Inc. will enhance the GOP’s online presence with new applications, search tools, and interactive video. In addition, Google will help generate buzz and excitement in advance of the convention through its proven online marketing techniques.

“Google and YouTube are synonymous with innovation, and our groundbreaking collaboration will set a new precedent for engaging and involving Americans in the Republican National Convention,” said Cino. “We also remain firmly focused on providing the eventual Republican nominee with every tool available to communicate his message to the American people – and this agreement is an important part of our efforts.”

The convention’s official website, www.GOPconvention2008.com, will eventually feature a full-range of Google™ products, including Google Apps, Google Maps, SketchUp, and customized search tools, which will make navigating the site easier. The convention's YouTube channel will enable visitors to upload, view, and share online videos.  These innovative technologies will also help the GOP streamline convention organization and expand its online reach across websites, mobile devices, blogs, and email.

“As more Americans go online to learn about elections, we’re pleased to work with the Republican National Convention to give citizens around the world easy access to convention information and new ways to engage in the event,” said David Drummond, Google's Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and Chief Legal Officer.

“This year, YouTube will bring a new dimension to this landmark event by enabling GOP visitors to share their unique experiences with the world through the power of online video,” said Chad Hurley, YouTube co-founder.  “We look forward to working with the convention committee and watching the action unfold.”

The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul’s Xcel Energy Center from September 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the event.

2008 Republican National Convention USTREAM.TV Press Conference Video

2008 Republican National Convention Names USTREAM.TV Official Live Video Streaming Provider

2008 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION NAMES USTREAM.TV OFFICIAL LIVE VIDEO STREAMING PROVIDER

Emerging Technology Will Bring Convention Live to Web;

Republicans Pioneer Strategy to Enhance Blogosphere, Traditional Media Outreach

(SAINT PAUL, Minn.) – To showcase how technology will be used in exciting new ways to engage Americans and make the 2008 Republican National Convention the most tech-savvy ever, convention President and Chief Executive Officer Maria Cino today announced that Ustream.TV will serve as the event’s Official Live Video Streaming Provider. The announcement was made during a news conference broadcast live over the Internet using the Ustream.TV Web-based video platform. 

“Partnering with Ustream.TV sends a clear message that the Republican Party wants the Internet generation and all people – from Party loyalists to casual observers – to be part of the 2008 Republican National Convention,” said Cino.  “Anyone with computer and Internet access will be guaranteed a front-row seat to history through www.GOPConvention2008.com, as we formally nominate the next President and Vice President of the United States.” 

Ustream.TV allows anyone with a camera, computer, and Internet connection to broadcast live video to a global audience. Ustream.TV was founded by two U.S. military veterans and a technologist who strived to create a way for people of all ages around the globe to connect with each other through the power of live, online video broadcasts.

In addition to live gavel-to-gavel coverage of the convention, the Ustream.TV broadcasting platform will be used to proactively engage bloggers and traditional media outlets unable to travel to Minneapolis-Saint Paul for the event.  As part of the pioneering effort, convention and other Republican officials will be scheduled to participate in live video web chats and other online interviews, using Ustream.TV’s platform, leading up to and during the Republican National Convention.

“We are excited that the Republican National Convention has chosen Ustream.TV as its live video broadcasting platform,” said Brad Hunstable, co-founder of Ustream.TV, who also participated in the news conference. “Ustream.TV provides a completely new approach to video on the Web that allows 'broadcasters' to reach broader audiences, while giving 'viewers' the chance to interact with the content producer in a live forum. We look forward to working with the Republican National Convention to significantly expand its reach into the blogosphere – and beyond."

“The Republican Party continues to embrace innovative means to communicate our strong message to the American people and the rest of the world,” said Republican National Committee Co-Chair and Convention Chairman Jo Ann Davidson. “New and existing mediums alike are being utilized to promote the ideas of lower taxes and less government; keeping America secure; and letting patients and doctors, not government, make important health care decisions.”

Ustream.TV is headquartered in Los Altos, California, and is privately held. For more information, visit: www.ustream.tv.

The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul’s Xcel Energy Center from September 1-4, 2008.  Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the four-day event. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPconvention2008.com.

2008 Republican National Convention To Announce Agreement With Emerging Technology Company

2008 Republican National Convention To Announce Agreement With Emerging Technology Company

The 2008 Republican National Convention will host a news conference at its headquarters in Saint Paul to announce an agreement with an emerging technology company that will help make the September event the most tech-savvy in history.

Could the emerging technology company be USTREAM.TV?

2008 Republican National Convention: GM Named Official Vehicle Provider

GENERAL MOTORS NAMED OFFICIAL VEHICLE PROVIDER TO 2008 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION

(SAINT PAUL, Minn.) – The 2008 Republican National Convention today announced General Motors (GM) will serve as the Official Vehicle Provider for the convention later this year, which will be held at Saint Paul’s Xcel Energy Center.  As the Official Vehicle Provider, GM will provide a fleet of vehicles, primarily flexible-fuel and hybrid models, to support the 2008 Republican National Convention.

“We’re pleased that General Motors will serve as the Official Vehicle Provider for the 2008 Republican National Convention,” said convention President and Chief Executive Officer Maria Cino. “GM and the Republican National Convention have enjoyed a strong partnership for the last seven conventions, and we look forward to working with GM once again to keep our convention moving smoothly.

“GM vehicles will be invaluable to our guests’ convention experience – and use of environmentally responsible models will support our pledge to host the greenest convention in our Party’s history,” Cino added.

GM will provide the 2008 Republican National Convention with more than 300 cars and light trucks representing a mix of highly fuel efficient vehicles that include E85 ethanol flex-fuel and hybrid technology.   GM offers more vehicles that achieve 30 mpg on the highway, more flex fuel vehicles that can run on E85, and groundbreaking technology such as GM's two-mode hybrid system found in its full-size light trucks.

GM alone has produced over 2.5 million E-85 capable vehicles to date – more than any other automaker.  GM is also releasing an average of one new hybrid model every three months for this year and next that includes the Saturn Vue and Aura Green Line, and Chevrolet Malibu. Last year, GM introduced the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon two-mode hybrid (the only hybrid system developed and built in the U.S. at its Baltimore, MD transmission plant) that get a 50 percent improvement in city mileage over gas versions.   

“With convention goers from throughout the country descending on Minneapolis-St. Paul, this is an outstanding venue for a great number and variety of people to see first-hand how GM is leading the way with more products with more fuel and technology choices for consumers,” said Ken W. Cole, GM vice president for Global Public Policy and Government Relations.  “As an integral part of the economic fabric of America with people and plants in over 30 states, we are proud to once again partner with the Republican National Convention.”

GM employs more than 130,000 people in the United States at its more than 75 plants and facilities throughout the country.

The Republican Party is committed to environmental preservation and the responsible stewardship of our natural resources. With convention preparations well underway, every effort is being made to use resources efficiently. In addition to environmentally responsible vehicle selection, Committee on Arrangements and Host Committee staff members are working with convention venues, including primary sites the Xcel Energy Center and Saint Paul RiverCentre, on ways to improve energy efficiency.

The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul’s Xcel Energy Center from September 1-4, 2008.  Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the four-day event.

Northwest Named Official Airline For 2008 Republican National Convention

Northwest Named Official Airline for 2008 Republican National Convention

(SAINT PAUL, Minn.) - The 2008 Republican National Convention today announced that Northwest Airlines will serve as the Official Airline for the nominating convention. The airline will transport thousands of delegates, alternate delegates, Republican Party leaders, members of the media, and convention guests to Minneapolis-Saint Paul in September.

"We are thrilled to announce Northwest Airlines as the official airline of our party's 39th nominating convention," said convention President and Chief Executive Officer Maria Cino. "The thousands of visitors who come for this exciting event will begin their convention experience as they board the plane for Minnesota, and it will culminate at the Xcel Energy Center with the nomination of the next President and Vice President of the United States."

Northwest Airlines has its global headquarters in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul suburb of Eagan, Minnesota. NWA's President and Chief Executive Officer, Doug Steenland, also serves on the community's non-partisan, non-profit Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee, which is involved in planning for the convention and promoting the cities.

"Northwest Airlines is proud to support the 2008 Republican National Convention as we welcome guests from all over the world to Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Bloomington and the surrounding areas," said Steenland. "We look forward to providing convention-goers with safe, convenient air travel from their hometowns to this historic event."

Northwest Airlines began operations on October 1, 1926, flying mail between Minneapolis-Saint Paul and Chicago. Passenger service began the following year. Today, NWA and its travel partners serve more than 1,000 cities in 160-plus countries on six continents. Northwest and Northwest Airlink together operate approximately 1,400 daily departures, with hubs in Detroit, Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Memphis, Tokyo, and Amsterdam. Northwest Airlines' U.S. system spans 49 states and the District of Columbia.

The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center from September 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, members of the media, volunteers, and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the four-day event.