2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION PASSES 2008 GOP PLATFORM

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION PASSES 2008 GOP PLATFORM

ST. PAUL, MINN. – The 2008 Republican National Convention unanimously passed the 2008 Republican Party Platform today, featuring the most aggressive and innovative energy policy in Republican Party history.
“We are proud to have passed a platform today that all Republicans will enthusiastically support,” said RNC Chairman Robert M. “Mike” Duncan.  “This is a document that demonstrates a forward-looking, positive vision for America and is deeply rooted in the long-standing principles that make our Party great.”

The 112-member 2008 Convention Committee on Resolutions (“Platform Committee”) led by Chairman U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (CA-22) and Co-Chairman U.S. Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) unanimously passed the 2008 Republican Party Platform out of Committee on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2008.

“This platform is the product of the most open and transparent process in American political history,” McCarthy said.  “Indeed, we are a Party — as we are a nation — of mavericks.  Yet we stand united today because we are the one Party that speaks to all Americans.”

“Our Party embodies a uniquely American spirit, and this platform is a testament to that freedom and stands as our promise to future generations that we will do whatever it takes to preserve it,” Burr said.

First Lady Laura Bush, Cindy McCain Address Opening Session Of The 2008 Republican National Convention

First Lady Laura Bush, Cindy McCain Address Opening
Session of the 2008 Republican National Convention

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Today, First Lady Laura Bush and Mrs. Cindy McCain addressed the opening session of the 2008 Republican National Convention. The First Lady and Mrs. McCain’s remarks focused on the ongoing relief efforts aimed at assisting the people of the Gulf Coast States. Other speakers included Republican National Committee Chairman Robert M. "Mike" Duncan, U.S. Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC), and U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).

Below are excerpts from today’s remarks:

First Lady Laura Bush
On putting the well-being of our fellow citizens first:
"Our first priority for today and in the coming days is to ensure the safety and well-being of those living in the Gulf Coast Region. And to all of those living in the Gulf States, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
"The effect of Hurricane Gustav is just now being measured. When such events occur, we are reminded that first, we are all Americans - and that our shared American ideals will always transcend political parties and partisanship."

Mrs. Cindy McCain
A call to help the people of the Gulf States:
"I would ask that each one of us commit to join together to aid those in need as quickly as possible. As John has been saying for the last several days, this is a time when we take off our Republican hats and put on our American hats."
Republican National Committee Chairman Robert M. "Mike" Duncan

On the response to Hurricane Gustav:
"We are Republicans. But more importantly, we are proud Americans. And as one nation under God, we come together with prayerful hearts for our country. As we gather in Minnesota, a great storm afflicts our country. And, when one of us is threatened, we are all threatened. As Americans we rise to the challenge. We unite, we respond. We take care of our own."
About the Program

Yesterday, 2008 Republican National Convention officials announced a scaled-back schedule for the convention’s opening day as events shifted toward assisting delegates from and residents in Gulf States affected by Hurricane Gustav. Steps the convention has taken include the formation of the Affected States Working Group and the establishment of an Affected States Information Center.

2008 Republican National Convention Launches First Day of Hurricane Relief Effort

2008 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION LAUNCHES FIRST DAY OF HURRICANE RELIEF EFFORT
Convention Effort Includes Comfort Care Package Distribution, Text Message Alert System, and Coordinated Fundraising for Charitable Organizations

SAINT PAUL, MN -- Today, the 2008 Republican National Convention launched the first day of its Hurricane Gustav Relief Effort. The effort includes the formation of a center where volunteers will assemble and send 80,000 "comfort packages," a text message alert system, and a comprehensive effort to encourage Americans to donate to charities identified by the five Gulf Coast governors. These efforts augment the steps that the convention announced yesterday, which included the formation of the Affected States Working Group and the establishment of an Affected States Information Center.

"We are deeply concerned about the safety and welfare of the residents of the Gulf States region. Senator McCain has asked us to put country first and shift our focus to assisting the Gulf State citizens, and we have coordinated a relief effort that answers his call to service. We are doing what Americans do best: helping our fellow citizens in need," said Rick Davis, campaign manager for McCain 2008.

Chairman of the Republican National Committee Robert M. "Mike" Duncan added, "The safety and well-being of the people of the Gulf States remains our top concern. Over the past 24 hours, we have moved quickly to mobilize people and resources to assist the Gulf States' residents -- both those who are in the region and our delegates in Saint Paul -- in any way we can."

Comfort Care Packages

The 2008 Republican National Convention has joined with Target, FedEx, and the Red Cross to send 80,000 "comfort packages" to the Gulf Coast region. The packages will be assembled at the Minneapolis Convention Center in a staging area being assembled today. The packages will have basic necessities donated by Target, including toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soap, granola bars, and other prepackaged foods. The donated materials will arrive in Saint Paul on Wednesday at 8 a.m., and FedEx will ship the packages to the appropriate locations.

The 2008 Republican National Convention is helping coordinate the volunteer effort. We expect 200 volunteers, which will be working in 75 minute shifts beginning on Wednesday.

Text Message Alert System

We have launched a text message alert system to inform delegates and alternates of program changes and other information as soon as it becomes available. The convention is in continuous communication with all delegates, speakers, and program participants. All parties understand that the schedule for the convention will be dictated by the conditions on the ground in the Gulf States and are, therefore, subject to change. The campaign and the convention's first priority is the safety and security of those living in the areas where the hurricane will make landfall.

Charitable Donations

The governors of the states affected by the hurricane recommended five charitable organizations that Americans can donate to if they wish to contribute to the relief efforts. The 2008 Republican National Convention is working to coordinate and encourage donations to these groups. In addition, the McCain 2008 campaign has set up a phone bank at the Hilton in Minneapolis, which will help coordinate donations to these groups. The five groups are as follows:

Louisiana: AidMatrix (www.AidMatrix.org)
AidMatrix is a leading aid organization that mobilizes more than $1.5 billion in aid annually, worldwide. The donated goods, money and services benefit the lives of more than 65 million people.
Mississippi: Mississippi Hurricane Recovery Fund (www.MississippiRelief.com)
The Mississippi Hurricane Recovery Fund has been set up by Governor Haley Barbour to serve as the state's central clearinghouse for corporations, organizations and individuals to donate money, equipment, goods, services, volunteers and time to the hundreds of thousands of Mississippians who may be affected by Hurricane Gustav.
Alabama: Governor's Emergency Relief Fund (www.ServeAlabama.gov)
In preparation for the possibility of Hurricane Gustav impacting Alabama, Governor Bob Riley and the Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives are accepting offers of goods, volunteers and financial donations.
Texas: Texas Responds (www.TexasResponds.org)
When activated by the State of Texas, Texas Responds serves as the state portal for non-cash donations such as goods and services.
Florida: Florida Disaster Fund (www.FloridaDisasterFund.org) 
The mission of the Florida Disaster Recovery Fund is to raise funds to help Floridians recover from natural disasters by strengthening families and rebuilding communities.

The McCain 2008 campaign has also set up a web site, www.causegreater.com, where Americans can go to learn more about these organizations. In addition, the 2008 Republican National Convention's official web site is now being updated to focus on the charitable efforts the convention is now engaged in.

Prayer Service
A prayer service, hosted by Texas Governor Rick Perry and the Texas delegation, will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 2, at the Central Presbyterian Church in Saint Paul. The service will be led by Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst. The Texas delegation has invited all other Gulf State delegations to participate.

Today's announcement is an update to the efforts announced yesterday, which included the formation of the Affected States Working Group and the establishment of an Affected States Information Center. The working group is comprised of representatives from each of the states in Hurricane Gustav's path. It is led by all five state party chairs from the affected area along with other delegation officials. The group communicates twice a day and is actively working to ensure that all affected delegates have the information and assistance they need. The group regularly briefs their delegates and convention planners, provides access to timely information and assistance, and gives input on appropriate steps that can be taken from Minnesota.

In addition, the Affected States Information Center, housed in the Xcel Energy Center, is now up and running. The center will remain open during the Xcel Energy Center's operating hours and serves as a central location where delegates can get news about the hurricane, weather reports, and information about rescue relief organizations; access to computers and phones; and the resources they need to address their situations back home. There are also representatives in the center that can contact Gulf State governors, if needed.

2008 Republican National Convention Delegates And Alternates Seating Chart

RNC CHAIRMAN, CO-CHAIR ANNOUNCE CHANGES TO NATIONAL CONVENTION, HURRICANE RESPONSE

RNC CHAIRMAN, CO-CHAIR ANNOUNCE CHANGES TO NATIONAL CONVENTION, HURRICANE RESPONSE

MINNEAPOLIS – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Robert M. “Mike” Duncan and RNC Co-Chairman/Committee on Arrangements Chairman Jo Ann Davidson announced changes to the 2008 Republican National Convention schedule and activities due to Hurricane Gustav.

Tomorrow, all activities except for the official required business of the convention will be cancelled.  The Committee will convene at 2:30 p.m. CDT to conduct this business as required by the Rules of the Republican Party, which state that the convention must proceed in order to ensure that the Party is able to place John McCain and Sarah Palin's names on the ballot in November.  On November 9, 2007, the RNC issued the 2008 Call for the Convention.  The Call for the Convention requires the 2008 Republican National Convention to meet on Sept. 1, 2008 in order to select the Party's President and Vice President.

"The safety and well-being of the people of the Gulf States remains our top concern.  We are doing everything we can on the ground in Minneapolis-Saint Paul to ensure that the delegations affected by this storm have the resources and information that they need.  As Senator McCain said this morning, we must redirect our attention and efforts.  Our first priority is to help our fellow citizens in need," Duncan said.

Additional information will be provided as events develop.

STATEMENT FROM JEFF LARSON, CEO OF THE MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL 2008 HOST COMMITTEE, REGARDING RNC CHANGES

STATEMENT FROM JEFF LARSON, CEO OF THE MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL 2008 HOST COMMITTEE, REGARDING RNC CHANGES

MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL, MINN. (August 31, 2008) – “We are hoping and praying that people in the hurricane’s path are evacuated quickly and will remain safe.  There are 45,000 people in Minneapolis, Saint Paul and the surrounding area for the Convention and we have been planning for more than a year to make sure they feel welcome and enjoy their stay. As a Host Committee we will remain flexible and work closely with the Committee on Arrangements for the Republican National Committee to do whatever is necessary to accomplish the goals of the Convention and to take care of our visitors.  Minnesotans are known for their generous spirit and willingness to help in a crisis – and we’ve already taken many calls from our partnering companies asking what they can do to help.”

Republican National Convention Announce Changes to Convention Program and Hurricane Response Efforts

McCain 2008 and 2008 Republican National Convention Announce
Changes to Convention Program and Hurricane Response Efforts

Monday’s Convention Program Will Only Include Required Proceedings,
McCain Campaign Takes Steps to Aid Affected Delegations

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - At the recommendation of Sen. John McCain, the 2008 Republican National Convention announced substantial changes to the convention’s program and actions being taken to help with Hurricane Gustav relief efforts. On Monday, all program activities beyond the official business that must be conducted in accordance with party rules will be canceled. Among the other actions announced today are the formation of the Affected States Working Group, the establishment of an Affected States Information Center, and the chartering of a DC-9 to transport affected delegates.

Rick Davis, campaign manager for McCain 2008, announced that the upcoming Republican National Nominating Convention is making serious revisions to the convention program and surrounding activities. Davis said, "We are deeply concerned about the safety and welfare of the residents of the Gulf State region.

Our top priority is to assist those who will be affected by Hurricane Gustav. This is not a time for politics or celebration; it is a time for us to come together as Americans and assist the residents of the Gulf States."

Davis also discussed what the changes in the program will mean for the nomination process. "In order for the Republican Party to officially exist and for Senator McCain to qualify for the ballot, we are - by law - required to conduct specific official business. At this point, our program on Monday has been scaled back and will only include what party rules governing the nomination of our candidates for president and vice president require. We will perform the official business as required. In addition, we have set aside time to make delegates and Americans watching our proceedings at home aware of what they can do to assist in relief efforts designed to help those who will be affected by Hurricane Gustav."

Davis concluded: "At some point between Monday and Thursday evening, we will convene once again to complete the activities needed to qualify Senator McCain and Governor Palin for the ballot in all 50 states. Beyond that, all we can say is that we will monitor what is happening and make decisions about other convention business as details become available."

Chairman of the Republican National Committee Robert M. "Mike" Duncan added, "The safety and well-being of the people of the Gulf States remains our top concern. We are doing everything we can on the ground in Minneapolis-Saint Paul to ensure that the delegations affected by this storm have the resources and information that they need. As Senator McCain said this morning, we must redirect our attention and efforts. We will act as Americans - not Republicans - to help our fellow citizens in need."

This morning, at the request of Governor Barbour (R-Miss.), Sen. McCain attended a briefing with the governor about the state’s storm preparation efforts. The briefing was held at the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency offices in Pearl, Miss. Following the briefing, Sen. McCain, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, and Mrs. Cindy McCain toured the emergency management center.

The convention is in continuous communication with all delegates, speakers, and program participants. All parties understand that the schedule for the convention will be dictated by the conditions on the ground in the Gulf States and are, therefore, subject to change. The campaign and the convention’s first priority is the safety and security of those living in the areas where the hurricane will make landfall.

The McCain campaign has also taken several additional steps to assist delegates from the Gulf States, including the formation of an Affected States Working Group, the chartering of a DC-9 to transport affected delegates, and the establishment of an Affected States Information Center.

The Affected States Working Group
The Affected States Working Group is comprised of a group of representatives from each of the states in Hurricane Gustav’s path. The group will ensure that all affected delegates have information and assistance in real time.

The Affected States Working Group is led by all five state party chairs from the affected area along with other delegation officials. The purpose of the group will be to regularly brief their delegates and convention planners, provide access to timely information and assistance, and give input on appropriate steps that can be taken from Minnesota.

The state party chairs released the following joint statement:
"We appreciate the thoughts and prayers of everyone around the country as we prepare for this dangerous storm. We are here in Minnesota for the necessary job of nominating our choice for president and vice president, but obviously our focus is on our families and friends back at home. We are in constant communication with our governors and elected officials and feel confident that they are taking the appropriate and necessary steps to prepare. The purpose of this group is to discuss ways that we can come together to provide information and support for our delegates here in Minneapolis."

The group is made up of nine leaders from the region and is chaired by the following individuals:

Roger Villare, Louisiana State Chair
Tina Benkiser, Texas State Chair
Brad White, Mississippi State Chair
Mike Hubbard, Alabama State Chair
Jim Greer, Florida State Chair

Air Transportation Provided to Delegates
Also announced today were transportation arrangements for delegates from states affected by Hurricane Gustav. The McCain 2008 campaign has chartered a DC-9 that will transport delegates that wish to return to home to their states. The DC-9 will leave Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport today and will fly to Jackson, Mississippi. All transportation costs will be covered by the McCain 2008 campaign.

"As we all watch and prepare for Gustav to make landfall, it is important that the convention make it as easy as possible for delegates to be where they are needed most - with their families and local agencies in their home states. We are grateful to Senator McCain for making this resource available to the delegates from the Gulf States," Maria Cino, President and CEO of the Republican National Convention 2008, said today.

Affected States Information Center
The convention has established an Affected States Information Center, which will be fully staffed and located inside the Xcel Energy Center. The center will remain open during the Xcel Energy Center’s operating hours and will serve as a central location where delegates can get news about the hurricane, weather reports, and information about rescue relief organizations; access to computers and phones; and the resources they need to address their situations back home. Delegates can go to the center and get information. There will also be contacts in the center that can contact Gulf State governors, if needed.

Republican Party Rules
The convention program has been altered in response to the situation developing in the Gulf States region. However, the convention will still take place. According to party rules, it is necessary for the convention to proceed in order to ensure that the party is able to place its candidates’ names on the ballot in November.
On November 9, 2007, pursuant to the rules adopted at the 2004 National Republican Convention, the party issued the call for its convention. The call requires that the convention meet on Sept. 1, 2008. The session must be convened no earlier than 9 a.m. and no later than 7 p.m. Under the current party rules, this is the only method by which the party may select a candidate for President and Vice President.

About the Republican National Convention
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 four-day event. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPConvention2008.com and join our social network sites on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL 2008 HOST COMMITTEE LAUCHES TV AD TO TOUT AREA’S ATTRIBUTES

MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL 2008 HOST COMMITTEE LAUCHES TV AD TO TOUT AREA’S ATTRIBUTES

Ad Will Run For Five Days During 2008 Republican National Convention

MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL, MINN. (August 31, 2008) – The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee is launching a television advertisement designed to educate the 45,000 people coming to town for the 2008 Republican National Convention about our cities’ many attributes and express Minnesotans’ pride in their community.

The 60-second ad, which highlights Minneapolis Saint Paul’s Fortune 500 companies, architectural marvels and award-winning chefs, began airing Sunday morning on local TV stations, including WCCO, KARE, KSTP and KMSP.

“The 2008 Republican National Convention gives us the unique opportunity to showcase our area, maybe dispel some myths and certainly make the impression on our guests that Minneapolis Saint Paul truly has something for everyone,” said Jeff Larson, CEO of the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee. “We think this ad helps us do all of that, and we welcome our visitors to experience all we have to offer, from our lakes and theaters, to our restaurants, shopping, museums and more.”

The text of the ad is as follows:

 “So, the Republican Convention is coming to town with 45,000 of its best friends. We figure it’s time to show that Minneapolis St. Paul is more than, “yah sure”, and that we’re over Mary Tyler Moore – sort of. 

See, while we’re known for being humble and nice, there are a few things maybe you don’t know:  We have nearly 20 Fortune 500 headquarters:  Heard of Best Buy? Target? General Mills? 3M? They’re here, not NY, not California.  Like great architecture? Check out Frank Gehry, Cesar Pelli, Jean Nouvel, Herzog & DeMeuron.  Award-winning chefs? They don’t do hot dish, folks. 

Sure we still got woods and water, lots of blondes, and guys named Ole. But we’ve also got a world’s worth of nationalities here, and they’re nice, too.

So, Republicans, while you’re here check out this place we call home.  It’s not the frontier, it’s not fly-over country and it ain’t Fargo. It’s Minneapolis St. Paul, and humbly speaking, it’s more than nice.  It’s wicked nice.”

The ad was developed by Rick Gibson/Creative, and directed by Paul Henschel through DriveThru Productions.

About The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee
The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee is a non-partisan, 501c3 nonprofit charged with promoting the commerce, image and prestige of Minneapolis, Saint Paul and the entire region in preparation for the 2008 Republican National Convention. The Host Committee is made up of community leaders who are committed to educating people and businesses to come to Minnesota to work, live, play, visit and invest. For more information, visit www.msp2008.com.

OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTY FOR THE 2008 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION TO SHOWCASE LOCAL TALENT, CUISINE AND MISSISSIPPI RIVERFRONT

OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTY FOR THE 2008 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION TO SHOWCASE LOCAL TALENT, CUISINE AND MISSISSIPPI RIVERFRONT

A Party You Won’t Forget In a Place That’s More to Life™

MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL, MINN (August 30, 2008) — Media from around the world will experience the talent, cuisine, architecture and history of Minneapolis Saint Paul during the Official Media Party of the 2008 Republican National Convention. The party, accessible by invitation only, will be held on the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis between the world-renowned Guthrie Theater and the historic Mill City Museum.

 

“Thousands of media – many who have never been to Minneapolis Saint Paul – will be here for the Convention and we are poised and ready to show them the sights, sounds and tastes of our Host Cities,” said Jeff Larson, CEO of the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee. 

Several Minnesota restaurants will be serving local cuisine including D’Amico Catering, Cue at the Guthrie and Mintáhoe Hospitality Group.  The Mill City Farmers Market will be open with food from local growers and Spoonriver Restaurant will cook and serve food using ingredients from the Mill City Farmers Market. Assorted beverages will be offered by Anheuser-Busch, Capitol Beverage, Coca-Cola, Diageo, Johnson Brothers and Pentair.

  

An eclectic combination of live local entertainment will include performances by The Native Pride Dancers and music by Cherbajazz, Shalita, The Light of the Moon Band, Take 5 Jazz, Cliff Brunzell, Lakespur Strings Trio and The Mouldy Figs.  Flowers for the party have been provided by Vine Street Florist.

The media party is hosted by the 2008 Minneapolis Saint Paul Host Committee and sponsored in part by

3M Company
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
Anheuser-Busch
Astra Zeneca Pharmaceuticals, LP
AT&T
Best Buy Co., Inc.
Boston Scientific Corporation
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp.
C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.
Cargill Incorporated
Carlson
CHS, Inc.
Cisco Systems, Inc.
The Coca-Cola Company
Comcast
Diageo
Ecolab Inc.
General Mills, Inc.
Google
Hewlett-Packard Company
Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc.
Koch Industries, Inc.
Kraus-Anderson Companies, Inc.
Land O’ Lakes
Mall of America
Medtronic
Microsoft Corporation
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
Mpls/St. Paul Magazine
The Mosaic Company
Nash Finch Company
Northwest Airlines
Pentair, Inc
Qwest
Securian Financial Group, Inc.
St. Jude Medical, Inc.
SUPERVALU, INC.
Target
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
The Travelers Companies, Inc.
U.S. Bank
UnitedHealth Group
UPS
Verizon Wireless
Waste Management, Inc.
Wells Fargo & Company
West
Xcel Energy

About The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee

The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee is a non-partisan, 501c3 nonprofit charged with promoting the commerce, image and prestige of Minneapolis, Saint Paul and the entire region in preparation for the 2008 Republican National Convention. The Host Committee is made up of community leaders who are committed to educating people and businesses to come to Minnesota to work, live, play, visit and invest. For more information, visit www.msp2008.com.

About Minneapolis Saint Paul More to Life

The Minneapolis Saint Paul More to Life campaign is a branding initiative, led by a team of local civic and business leaders, working to eradicate common misperceptions held by outsiders and introduce the country to the true Minneapolis Saint Paul: a vibrant, diverse community with strong businesses and abundant cultural opportunities. Three local PR agencies, Padilla Speer Beardsley, Tunheim Partners and Weber Shandwick, are leading the efforts with leadership direction from Meet Minneapolis and Saint Paul city officials, as well as several corporations headquartered in Minneapolis Saint Paul. The creative campaign was developed by Little & Company and Campbell Mithun supported the advertising placements. To learn more about More to Life, visit www.mspmoretolife.com.

PURCHASE A PIECE OF POLITICAL HISTORY AS MINNESOTA HOSTS THE 2008 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION

PURCHASE A PIECE OF POLITICAL HISTORY AS MINNESOTA HOSTS THE 2008 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION
Memorabilia Now Available Online and at Many Retail Outlets

MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL, MINN. (August 29, 2008) – It has been more than 116 years since Minnesota has hosted a political convention and now local residents and visitors to the 2008 Republican National Convention can take home a keepsake to commemorate Minneapolis Saint Paul hosting the historic event. The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee announced today the retail locations that will carry official logo merchandise produced by St. Croix Promotions & Retail Inc., the official master vendor and licensee of the Convention.

Merchandise includes T-shirts, mugs, hats, pins, buttons, Zubaz, outerwear, polo shirts, Convention kits and more.

The official merchandise is available online at www.msp2008.com and at the following locations:

• CivicFest Store, Minneapolis Convention Center (August 29 – September 4)
• Minnesota Children’s Museum, Saint Paul
• MSP International Airport, Bloomington
• Main Terminal Kiosk
• Let’s Play Stores
• Sports Minnesota/Mall of America Store
• Love From Minnesota store locations: (Now – September 4)

Mall of America, 1st Floor, East, Bloomington
Mall of America, 3rd Floor, West, Bloomington
Mall of America, Minnesota Bound, 3rd Floor North, Bloomington
Ridgedale Mall, Minnetonka
Ameriprise Building (formerly IDS), Crystal Court, Minneapolis
2465 Fairview Avenue North, Roseville

The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held September 1-4 at the Xcel Energy Center. More than 45,000 individuals, including 15,000 media, are expected to attend the Convention.

About The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee
The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee is a non-partisan, 501c3 nonprofit charged with promoting the commerce, image and prestige of Minneapolis, Saint Paul and the entire region in preparation for the 2008 Republican National Convention. The Host Committee is made up of community leaders who are committed to educating people and businesses to come to Minnesota to work, live, play, visit and invest. For more information, visit www.msp2008.com.

About St. Croix Promotions & Retail

St. Croix Promotions & Retail, Inc., is a nationally renowned, award winning promotional products distributor, consultant and retailer offering branded store solutions.  Based in Bloomington, Minnesota, St. Croix companies sell to corporate and Fortune 1000 customers products and services including:  branded promotional products, web and on site company stores, sales incentive programs, events and trade show promotions, service and recognition awards, retail stores, managed retail services and concessions.   St. Croix has retail locations in the Minneapolis, Bloomington and St. Paul metro region.  For more information, visit www.scpromo.com.