2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

2008 Republican National Convention Media Walk-Through Photos

2008 Republican National Convention Media Walk-Through Photos

2008 Republican National Convention Xcel Energy Center Photos

2008 Republican National Convention Hosts Media Walk-Through At Xcel Energy Center

2008 Republican National Convention Hosts Media Walk-Through at Xcel Energy Center
Media Coverage Will Present the Convention, Minneapolis-Saint Paul to the World

St. Paul, MN. The 2008 Republican National Convention today welcomed hundreds of news media representatives to the Xcel Energy Center for an informational briefing and tour of the convention complex. The Committee on Arrangements, the MSP 2008 Host Committee, and other local officials are rapidly preparing to accommodate the 15,000 members of the media expected in Minneapolis-Saint Paul for the nominating convention.

"We appreciate the critical role the news media will play in bringing the 2008 Republican National Convention - a showcase for our party's strong principles and hopeful message - into the homes of millions around the world," said convention President and CEO Maria Cino. "We are working hard to anticipate and attend to the media's needs."

The walk-through addressed a wide range of topics, including the media credentialing process, administrative and logistics needs, work space requests, and housing requirements. Media representatives were also given the opportunity to tour the full convention complex, including the Xcel Energy Center and media workspace that will be developed in the neighboring Saint Paul RiverCentre convention center and Roy Wilkins Auditorium. In the coming months, convention staff will work closely with members of the media to prepare each organization's credentials, on-site workspace, and other operational needs.

"Ten months from now, Republicans will be gathering here in Minneapolis-Saint Paul to nominate the next President and Vice President of the United States," RNC Chairman Robert M. "Mike" Duncan said. "And when we do, we will be taking advantage of new technologies and new methods of communicating and interacting, so that reporters from around the country, in both new and traditional media, will have every opportunity to bring this convention to the country and the world in ways we've never seen before. This will be an exciting convention, and an exciting time for our Party and our nation."

"The media walk-through is another example of the profound economic impact the convention will have on the host cities," said RNC Co-Chairman and Committee on Arrangements Chairman Jo Ann Davidson. "Preparations are underway long before the gavel drops and local communities are already beginning to benefit from the convention being here."

The anticipated 45,000 convention participants, of which the media is expected to number 15,000, will dine, shop, and overnight throughout the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area next September. The host cities are projected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the convention.

Many visitors are already traveling to the host cities in advance of next year's event. These pre-convention guests, including attendees of the fall media walk-through, have logged about 1,000 nights in area hotels. Pre-convention visits, which also mean increased business for local restaurants, shops, and area attractions, will continue through next fall.

"We are thrilled to welcome members of the media this week - and it is an honor to introduce them to the people and places of Minneapolis-Saint Paul," said Host Committee Chairman Douglas Leatherdale. "The Xcel Energy Center is a world-class venue and the entire metropolitan area is full of exciting possibilities."

Walk-through attendees also got an up-close look at one of Saint Paul's other fine venues, as the Host Committee hosted an evening reception at the Science Museum of Minnesota for the media representatives.

There are currently more than 20 convention staffers in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area who are living, dining and shopping locally, and that number will eventually grow to nearly 150. The Committee on Arrangements and Host Committee continue to work closely with Governor Pawlenty, Senators Coleman and Klobuchar, Mayors Rybak (Minneapolis), Coleman (Saint Paul), and Winstead (Bloomington), and many others at the Convention and Visitors' Bureaus to plan every aspect of the convention.

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 participate in the convention.

2008 Republican National Convention Announces Additions To Senior Staff

2008 Republican National Convention Announces Additions To Senior Staff

(SAINT PAUL, Minn.) – The 2008 Republican National Convention today announced the addition of five senior staff members to its growing team in Minneapolis-Saint Paul. Frank Spicka is Director of Security for the four-day event. Mike Miller, who has signed on for his tenth Republican National Convention, is Director of Operations, Media Operations, Production and Official Proceedings. Joby Boland and Gordon Pennoyer join Miller this month as Deputy Director of Operations and Logistics and Deputy Director of Media Operations, respectively. Finally, Anthony Foti has accepted the position of Director of External Affairs and will begin work later this fall.

“We are delighted to have such talented people join us in Minneapolis-Saint Paul as planning for our party’s 39th nominating convention shifts into high gear,” said convention President and Chief Executive Officer Maria Cino. “Frank, Mike, Joby, Gordon, and Anthony bring years of experience, professionalism, and a ‘get it done’ mentality to the task at hand. All five will play important roles in ensuring a successful convention, where the Republican Party will nominate the next President of the United States.”

As Director of Security, Spicka will work in close partnership with local, state, and federal law enforcement in planning, coordinating, and implementing a comprehensive security plan for the convention.  Previously, Spicka was a senior-level law enforcement professional with the United States Secret Service (USSS) for more than 24 years. In this capacity, Spicka participated in complex protective, investigative, intelligence, and international liaison responsibilities. He is experienced in protecting national and world leaders, as well as planning and supervising operational security for designated National Special Security Events (NSSE) and other large-scale special events. Spicka brings to the job a wealth of experience in interacting with multi-national organizations, media representatives, and the general public. Spicka is a Saint Paul, Minn. native and received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Stanford University.

Miller, a veteran of the last nine Republican National Conventions, will serve as Director of Operations, Media Operations, Production and Official Proceedings. He and his team will oversee the complex operational aspects of planning a large-scale event and handle the needs of the anticipated 15,000 members of the media on site to cover the proceedings. Miller will also direct the production and staging of the four-day event and structure the convention’s official proceedings. Miller has worked as a staff member for every Republican Convention since 1972, and covered the two conventions prior to that as a journalist.  Miller also operated Elkmont Productions, a public affairs consulting firm.

Boland joins the convention team as Deputy Director of Operations.  He comes to Minneapolis-Saint Paul from the Washington, DC area, where he most recently served as Vice President of Operations for Quinn Consulting, Inc. Boland brings exceptional operational and managerial skills to the job, as well as past convention experience. From 2000 to 2006, Boland worked for House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert, including three years as Director of Advance. In 2004, he directed scheduling, Congressional relations, media affairs, corporate sponsor relationships, and state delegation communication for the Speaker in his role as Permanent Chairman of the 2004 Republican National Convention. Boland is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame.

Pennoyer joined the staff as Deputy Director of Media Operations effective October 1. He is a convention and campaign veteran, having worked on both the 2004 Republican National Convention in New York City and for the Bush-Cheney 2004 campaign in New Hampshire. Following the last presidential election, Pennoyer oversaw the Republican Party’s efforts to recruit and coordinate more than 5,000 volunteers for the 2005 Presidential Inaugural Committee.  Pennoyer is a graduate of Kenyon College.

Foti will serve as Director of External Affairs for the 2008 Republican National Convention. His duties will include outreach to the business community; federal, state, and local government offices; interest groups; and members of the general public. Foti, a Senior Policy Advisor at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP in Washington, DC, will join the convention staff in Minneapolis-Saint Paul later this year. In his current role, Foti represents clients before Congress on a broad range of issues, including transportation, appropriations and international trade. In 2004, Foti served as the director of the 72 Hour Task Force Legal Volunteer Program for the Republican National Committee. In 2000, he was appointed by the Bush-Cheney 2000 transition office as coordinator of the Transition Advisory Committees, where he directed the operations of the committees that advised the president-elect on policy and management matters. Before joining Akin Gump, Foti served as district director to Congressman Bill Paxon (R-NY) from 1994-1998 and was the Western New York regional director for New York State Assembly Minority Leader John Faso. He received his B.A. from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

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 four-day event.

RNC Chairman Duncan Appoints Chairman Of The Committee On The Call For The 2008 Republican National Convention

RNC CHAIRMAN DUNCAN APPOINTS CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE CALL FOR THE 2008 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION

WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Robert M. “Mike” Duncan today appointed Ohio Republican Party (ORP) Chairman Robert T. Bennett to serve as Chairman of the Committee on the Call for the 2008 Republican National Convention.  In this role, Bennett will oversee the 2008 Committee on the Call, which will consist of the entire membership of the RNC.

“Bob Bennett has a deep understanding of the fundamental philosophy, values, and grassroots organization of the Republican Party,” RNC Chairman Duncan said.  “Chairman Bennett has worked as a successful State Party Chairman and leader on the RNC Rules Committee, and I have great confidence that he will be an outstanding Chairman of the Committee on the Call for the 2008 Republican National Convention.”

The Committee on the Call is responsible for assisting Chairman Duncan with the issuance of the Call for the 2008 Republican National Convention in Minneapolis-Saint Paul.  The Call must be issued before January 1, 2008, and it will formally announce the site and dates of the Convention as well as the number of delegates authorized to attend.

Bennett, a CPA and attorney, has served as Chairman of the Ohio State Party since 1988, having been re-elected to a tenth term in January 2007.  He also serves as Chairman of the RNC Midwestern State Chairmen’s Association.

2008 Republican National Convention Unveils Official Logo

2008 Republican National Convention Unveils Official Logo
Committee on Arrangements Chairman: unique Emblem ‘Will Be Seen Around The World’

(SAINT PAUL, Minn.) – Party officials and convention organizers today unveiled the official logo for the 2008 Republican National Convention. The circular design features the silhouette of a triumphant elephant, a Party symbol dating back to 1874, along with the names of the host cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul.

“Choosing our logo is another important milestone in planning the 2008 Republican National Convention,” said convention President and Chief Executive Officer Maria Cino. “This design highlights the spirit of the Republican Party and it will adorn everything from the Xcel Energy Center to t-shirts and other souvenirs.”

“By the time our convention is complete, this emblem – much like our Republican nominee and future President of the United States – will have been seen by millions around the world,” RNC Co-Chairman and Convention Chairman Jo Ann Davidson said. 

The logo was designed by New York City-based Creative Director Robert Matza. Matza has overseen many aspects of creative development for a broad range of corporate identity clients while at Landor Associates, including Morgan Stanley, GE, Pepsico, Computer Associates, New York Stock Exchange, Lenovo, Verizon, and Nielsen Media Research. 

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 four-day event.

2008 Republican National Convention OPENS VIRTUAL DIALOGUE WITH ‘CONVENTION iNSIDER’ WEB FORUM

2008 Republican National Convention OPENS VIRTUAL DIALOGUE WITH ‘CONVENTION iNSIDER’ WEB FORUM

(SAINT PAUL, Minn.) – The 2008 Republican National Convention today launched CONVENTION iNSIDER – an interactive, online forum where visitors to www.GOPConvention2008.com can pose questions about planning and progress in Minneapolis-Saint Paul. Questions can be submitted in the form of videos or text, and convention staff will respond in the format in which questions are received. As many relevant questions and answers as possible will be posted online, and the feature will serve as a running dialogue about the party’s 39th nominating convention, September 1-4, 2008. 

CONVENTION iNSIDER will offer people across the nation and around the world a behind-the-scenes perspective of our progress.  By taking an active interest, asking questions, and sharing new ideas – visitors to our website can become participants in the planning process,” said convention President and Chief Executive Officer Maria Cino. “This web tool is an exciting expansion of our ongoing conversation – and I look forward to answering many of the questions personally.”

CONVENTION iNSIDER (www.GOPConvention2008.com/insider) will enable visitors to communicate with staff members, senior party leadership, and special guests of the 2008 Republican National Convention. The convention website will continue to evolve in the coming months as additional features and interactive capabilities are unveiled.

This virtual dialogue is one of many steps the 2008 Republican National Convention is taking to use fewer resources and host the greenest Republican convention in history in Minneapolis-Saint Paul. The Committee on Arrangements, in partnership with the MSP2008 Host Committee, is developing a paperless system to recruit and register an anticipated 8,000 volunteers.  Convention planners will continue to use the internet and alternate ways of communication, rather than physical travel, to plan and discuss key aspects of the event. The convention’s green fact sheet can be viewed at http://www.gopconvention2008.com/downloads/gopgreen_0907.pdf.

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 four-day event. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPConvention2008.com.

RNC Chairman Mike Duncan At Official Office Opening For The 2008 Republican National Convention

Chairman of the Republican National Committee Mike Duncan was in Minneapolis-Saint Paul on Wednesday, Sept. 12, to participate in the official opening of the convention's headquarters. Speaking to a room full of convention staff and community leaders, Duncan said, "Just under a year from now, our Party will gather here in Minnesota to launch one of the most important campaigns of our lifetime. We’ll have the eyes of the world on us. Americans from Maine to New Mexico, from Hawaii to South Carolina, will be watching...They’re going to be watching as we lay out our vision for a bright future. They’re going to be watching as we talk about our historic principles. And, most importantly, they’re going to be watching as we formally nominate the next President and Vice President of the United States of America."

RNC Committee On Arrangements Chairman Jo Ann Davidson At Office Opening