2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Minneapolis-Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee Chairman Doug Leatherdale

New Minneapolis-Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee Logo Unveiled

2008 Republican National Convention Launches Website

2008 Republican National Convention Launches Website
One Year Out, GOP Making Strides in Minneapolis-Saint Paul

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - One year out from the 2008 Republican National Convention, the Committee on Arrangements (COA) today launched the initial phase of its official convention website, www.GOPConvention2008.com. Additional phases, offering visitors expanded information and interactive capabilities, will be unveiled throughout the coming year. The website launch is another important step in organizing the four-day event in Minneapolis-Saint Paul.

The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center from September 1-4, 2008. An experienced team is hard at work in the host cities, making great strides in the areas of housing, operations, hospitality, administration, information technology, among others. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, members of the media, volunteers and other guests are expected to attend the convention - and www.GOPConvention2008.com will allow millions more to participate in the event from around the world.

The initial website structure features the latest news and headlines from convention headquarters; a frequently asked questions or “FAQ” section; information on volunteering; and the option to subscribe to regular electronic updates, among other components. Future phases will incorporate more cutting-edge features, including video and additional forms of user-generated content.

“Our website, www.GOPConvention2008.com, will be more than a one-way communication tool that provides information to those traveling to the convention,” COA President and CEO Maria Cino said. “In the coming months, it will become a fully interactive community that encourages everyone to become involved in the Republican Party's nomination of the next President of the United States.”

Cino is currently leading a convention team of more than 15 COA staffers in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, and that number will eventually grow to more than 150.  The COA and the 2008 Minneapolis-Saint Paul Host Committee are each doing their part to ensure that the convention is a triumph for the Republican Party, as well as for the host cities.

After a thorough site selection process, Minneapolis-Saint Paul was chosen for its vibrant communities, outstanding hotels and event venues, and a clear enthusiasm to host the convention. Staff is in the process of contracting with nearly 100 hotels and 70 venues throughout the metropolitan area - and the local business community is already reaping the benefits of the additional visitors scheduled for 2008.  In total, the host cities are projected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost.

“With planning on track and momentum building on the ground, we're confident the 2008 Republican National Convention will provide our nominee with an effective vehicle to share his vision for the future of America,” Cino added. “The boost the convention provides will propel our nominee to victory in November.”

The latest news and headlines will continue to be posted on www.GOPConvention2008.com - the source for convention news in the year to come.

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman Launches Convention ‘08 E-Newsletter

Mayor Coleman Launches Convention ‘08 E-Newsletter

(Saint Paul) – Mayor Chris Coleman today launched the City’s first 2008 Convention Planning E-Newsletter, which will be distributed as convention planning unfolds over the next 15 months.  The City’s newsletter will provide updates on the planning process, information on how the convention may affect mobility in the city, and how people can get involved in this exciting and historic event.

 “Hosting a national convention is an incredible opportunity for the City of Saint Paul.  Before Saint Paul shines in the national spotlight, we want residents and businesses to be informed and engaged in the planning process.  This E-Newsletter is a great way for residents to stay informed about the Republican National Convention in 2008,” Mayor Coleman said.  “I encourage folks to sign-up and stay informed.”

To sign-up, visit: www.stpaul.gov/convention

2008 Republican National Convention Leadership

2008 Republican National Convention Leadership

WASHINGTON – During the 2007 State Chairmen’s Meeting this month in Columbia, S.C., the Committee on Arrangements for the 2008 Republican National Convention elected the following officers by resolution: Bob Kjellander, National Committeeman for Illinois as Vice Chairman; Sara Gear Boyd, National Committeewoman for Vermont as Secretary; and Tim Morgan, National Committeeman for California as Treasurer.  Blake Hall, National Committeeman for Idaho, will serve as General Counsel to the committee.

The Committee on Arrangements is the RNC body charged with the planning and management of the Convention. The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota September 1-4, 2008.

RNC Chairman Robert “Mike” Duncan Announces 2008 Republican National Convention Leadership

RNC Chairman Robert “Mike” Duncan Announces 2008 Republican National Convention Leadership

WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee Chairman Robert “Mike” Duncan today issued the following statement announcing RNC Co-Chairman Jo Ann Davidson as Chairman of the Committee on Arrangements and Maria Cino as the Chief Executive Officer of the COA. The Committee on Arrangements is the RNC body charged with the planning and management of the Convention.

“I am excited that Jo Ann and Maria will be taking on these leadership roles for the 2008 Republican Convention.  Their tremendous experience and dedication will help to shape a dynamic, exciting convention that will showcase our Republican principles, our strong candidates up and down the ballot, and most importantly, the next President of the United States.”

Jo Ann Davidson was re-elected Co-Chairman of the Republican National Committee in Washington D.C. on January 19, 2007.  She reaffirmed her commitment to growing the Party and developing a strong grassroots political organization. She was first elected Co-Chairman in 2005.

In addition to her responsibilities as Co-Chairman of the Republican National Committee, Ms. Davidson was appointed by former RNC Chairman Ken Mehlman as Chair of the Site Selection Committee in January 2006.  The Site Selection Committee was tasked with investigating potential Convention Sites and presenting their findings to the full RNC Membership.  Although four cities submitted bids to host the Convention (Cleveland, OH, Minneapolis-Saint Paul, MN, New York City, NY, and Tampa-St. Petersburg, FL), the Site Selection Committee voted to recommend Minneapolis-Saint Paul based on their state-of-the art facilities, vibrant communities and clear enthusiasm to host the Convention.  Upon the unanimous vote of the full Republican National Committee in January 2007, former RNC Chair Ken Mehlman appointed as Chairman of the Committee on Arrangements.

Prior to her role as Co-Chairman of the RNC, Davidson served as the Bush-Cheney ’04 Ohio Valley Regional Campaign Chair; where she helped direct a historic grassroots efforts that enabled President Bush to win Ohio by a decisive margin. The Ohio Bush-Cheney ’04 campaign recruited over 87,000 Bush volunteers, held at least 3,946 parties for the President and made more than 4.5 million volunteer door-to-door knocks and phone calls to supporters and undecided voters in Ohio (with 2,373,167 volunteer door-to-door knocks and phone calls made in the final 72-Hours).

Maria Cino brings to the COA nearly 25 years of experience in managing and leading field-based organizations; developing and adhering to complex budgets; setting short- and long-term strategic goals; building coalitions; and developing, motivating, and mentoring staffs. As CEO of the Committee on Arrangements (COA) she will be working with the RNC body charged with the planning and management of the Convention.

Prior to her role with the COA, Maria Cino was nominated by President George W. Bush as the Deputy Secretary of Transportation on April 6, 2005, and confirmed by the United States Senate a month later.  Following the resignation of Norman Mineta, she served as the Acting Secretary of Transportation from July, 7, 2006 until October 4, 2006, when Mary E. Peters was sworn in as the new Secretary of Transportation.  Before her role as Deputy Secretary Ms. Cino served as Assistant Secretary and Director General of the United States and Foreign Commercial Service at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Previously Cino served as Deputy Chairman of the Republican National Committee. In this capacity, she was the RNC’s top political strategist and chief operating officer, overseeing operations of the Committee during the 2004 election cycle. During the 2000 cycle, Ms. Cino served as the Committee’s Deputy Chairman for Political and Congressional Relations, and was the National Political Director for Bush for President in Austin, Texas.

2008 Republican National Convention Officially Coming To Minnesota

It's Official: 2008 Republican National Convention Coming to Minnesota

Washington, D.C.- Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Ron Carey today issued the following statement regarding the Republican National Committee's decision to formally hold the 2008 Republican National Convention in the Twin Cities.

"Today's action officially awarding the Twin Cities the 2008 Republican National Convention confirms Minnesota's position as the center of the political universe for the next two years. Minnesota is the best place in the United States to live and I am eager to help showcase our state and citizens to the world as we prepare to nominate the next President of the United States in St. Paul."