2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

MINNESOTA-BASED COMPANIES TO BE REPRESENTED IN GIFT BAGS FOR 2008 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION

MINNESOTA-BASED COMPANIES TO BE REPRESENTED IN GIFT BAGS FOR 2008 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION
Items for 22,000 Bags Provided By 27 Companies including 3M, General Mills, Northwest Airlines, Carlson Companies, Cargill and The Travelers Companies

MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL, MINN. (August 29, 2008) – Several Minnesota-based companies will have a presence in the more than 22,000 gift bags that will be distributed to delegates and media attending the 2008 Republican National Convention. From commemorative Convention Post-It notes by 3M to Nature Valley granola bars by General Mills, visitors will get a taste of the many Fortune 500 businesses that call Minneapolis Saint Paul home.

“We appreciate the generosity and support of our local companies as well as the national organizations that donated items for the gift bags,” said Jeff Larson, CEO of the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee. “We also are proud of the contributions of nearly all of Minnesota’s Fortune 500 companies and we want the world to know these businesses are here and that Minneapolis Saint Paul truly is a great place to live, work, and run a business.”

The delegate gift bags are sponsored by FedEx and the media gift bags are sponsored by Coca Cola/Southern Company. The 22,000 bags were compiled by Baskets By Design, a locally owned fulfillment company.

The following items will be included in the 2008 Republican National Convention gift bags:

Company: Product

3M: Logoed Commemorative Convention Post-It Notes
Aflac: Republican delegate Aflac Duck complete with credential (says “Aflac” when squeezed)
American Wind Energy Association: Collectible Lapel Pin
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, LD: Healthy Living Pedometer
AT&T: Commemorative Lapel Pin with Trivia Card plus Free Ringtone Giftcard
Cargill Incorporated: Truvia Zero Calorie Sweetener
Carlson Companies: Free Appetizer at T.G.I. Friday’s
Chesapeake Energy Corp: Wildflower Seed Packet
Eli Lilly and Company: Sport Bottle with Hand Sanitizer and Healthy Living Guide Book
Ford Motor Company: Flashlight Keychain with Compass and Safety Whistle
General Mills, Inc.: Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars
Kraft Foods: Elephant-shaped Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
Mall of America: Mall of America 2008 Super Savings Coupon Book
Minneapolis 311: 311 Information Hotline Postcard
MSP 2008 Host Committee: Official Convention Guide and Regional Map
Northwest Airlines: Commemorative Luggage Tag and NW Traveler Magazine
MPower: Festive Megaphone with Gourmet Popcorn
Qwest: Cell Phone Recycling Envelope and Internet Safety Tip Card
Direct Selling Association: Copy of A Family Memoir, Faith of My Fathers by John McCain
West: Pocket guide to the Constitution of the United States
The Travelers Companies, Inc.:  Red Compact Umbrella
UPS: Breath Mints in a Pocket-Size UPS Truck
Verizon Wireless: Postage-paid “Hopeline” Mailing Envelope
Visa Inc./U.S. Bank:  Commemorative Water Bottle
Votimus: VOTIMUS Political Information Flyer
Walgreen Company: Walgreens Brand Hand Sanitizer

CivicFest Opens: Minnesotans to Experience Once-in-a-Lifetime Celebration of History and Democracy

CivicFest Opens: Minnesotans to Experience Once-in-a-Lifetime Celebration of History and Democracy; Free Admission to First 5,000 Attendees

Opening day ceremony includes civic engagement declarations from a local youth and elected officials; State of Minnesota and City of Minneapolis declare Aug. 29 CivicFest Day

MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL, Minn. (Aug. 29, 2008) – CivicFest, a non-partisan celebration of American and Minnesotan history, democracy and the U.S. presidency, today opens its doors to the public after more than 5,000 hours of construction.

Produced by the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee and held in conjunction with the Republican National Convention, CivicFest is a showcase of more than 35 world-class, museum-quality exhibits, taking place at the Minneapolis Convention Center from Aug. 29 through Sept. 4.

“An event of this magnitude will leave a lasting impression on our community for years to come,” said Cynthia Lesher, president of the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee. “We’re proud to offer CivicFest as an opportunity for all citizens to participate in the convention experience and take an active role in civic engagement.” 

Opening day festivities include a public declaration of civic engagement by a local youth and elected officials, proclamations from the state of Minnesota and city of Minneapolis declaring Friday, Aug. 29 CivicFest Day: A Day to Commit and Engage in Civics, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony opening the doors to CivicFest. The first 5,000 attendees are admitted free.

“During the Republican National Convention, we hope delegates, visitors and locals will share in our commitment to civic involvement by experiencing CivicFest,” said Maria Cino, president and CEO of the 2008 Republican National Convention. “Whether it’s greening their community or volunteering as an electoral judge, we invite all attendees to pledge their civic commitment in the Declaration of Civic Engagement book that will be featured at CivicFest.”

CivicFest embodies the civic history and founding roots of our country and welcomes visitors to experience American political history and to pledge their civic commitment, while taking in dozens of educational and entertaining exhibits. A 60- by 20-foot, one-foot-to-one-inch exact scale replica of the White House, full-scale Oval Office replica, Air Force One fuselage, presidential limos, former first ladies’ inaugural ball gowns and more than 150 authentic American flags will all be on display.

About CivicFest
CivicFest: A Very Minnesota Celebration is a family-friendly, once-in-a-lifetime interactive and multimedia experience, featuring more than 35 educational and entertaining exhibits, historic memorabilia and artifacts celebrating Minnesota and American history, democracy and the U.S. presidency. CivicFest is being produced by Maxene Fernstrom and Gerard McTernan for the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee. For more information, visit www.civicfest.org.

About the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee
The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee is the nonprofit, non-partisan entity 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.

2008 Republican National Convention’s New Web Site Goes Live

2008 Republican National Convention’s New Web Site Goes Live
Convention Web Site Features Cutting-Edge Media Portal, Highlights "Country First" Theme

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Today, the 2008 Republican National Convention officially launched its new Web site for the week of the convention. The site includes several cutting-edge features that will give journalists and other visitors to www.GOPConvention2008.com unprecedented access to convention news and information.

"The convention’s Web site will enable Americans to log on, experience the convention as it happens, and learn about John McCain’s unparalleled record of service and sacrifice. The site will offer unprecedented access to convention proceedings and will help demonstrate why John McCain is best qualified to lead our country," said Maria Cino, President and CEO of the 2008 Republican National Convention.

As a courtesy to members of the press, the new Web site includes a media portal, where daily and hourly schedules, press releases, media advisories, speech text, speaker bios, pictures, video, and RSS feeds will be posted.

The convention Web site will also feature six live streaming video channels that will provide exclusive footage captured from within the Xcel Energy Center, including the backstage area and Radio Row. In addition, the site will feature state pages where people can connect with other Republicans from their state, links to social networking sites, and the Grand Ol’ Blog, the official convention blog.

Today’s launch of the new Web site is part of this week’s on-going efforts to welcome John McCain and more than 45,000 convention attendees to Saint Paul.

Convention Balloons To Be Inflated And Raised At Xcel Energy Center

Convention Balloons to be Inflated and Raised at Xcel Energy Center

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - On Friday, Aug. 29, a group of young Minnesotans will help put together a fixture that convention watchers and attendees look forward to every four years: the convention’s thousands of red, white and blue balloons that will drop at the conclusion of John McCain’s acceptance speech.

As the transformation process at the Xcel Energy Center for the 2008 Republican National Convention nears completion, local youth will help inflate the balloons that will be lifted into place for next week’s convention. A total of 200,000 balloons will be inflated and lifted into place tomorrow.

Build-Out Is Complete For 2008 Republican National Convention

Build-Out is Complete for 2008 Republican National Convention
Xcel Energy Center is Transformed for Sen. John McCain's Nomination

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - The 2008 Republican National Convention today unveiled the official convention podium and released a final behind-the-scenes, time lapse video of the transformation of the Xcel Energy Center in preparation for the Republican Party's nomination of Senator John McCain. This final video features the complete transformation of the Xcel Energy Center and is a compilation of all time lapse segments previously released.

Today’s unveiling of the official convention podium is the culmination of over 18 months of planning and an impressive transformation that began in late July. More than 500 workers diligently transformed what was once an ice hockey rink into what will be the setting for the 2008 Republican National Convention.

PBS Online NewsHour Republican Convention Slideshow

PBS Online NewsHour Republican Convention Slideshow

Check out this slideshow created by the Online NewsHour. They asked to use some of our photos taken over the last 2 years as the Twin Cities prepared for the 2008 Republican National Convention.

Joanna Burgos, Press Secretary of the Republican National Convention, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the GOP event in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn. The convention kicks off on Monday, Sept. 1.

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/vote2008/rnc/preconvention/index.html

CivicFest Preview - A Very Minnesota Celebration

Republican National Convention Officially Unveils Podium Photos

Republican National Convention Officially Unveils Podium Photos

What They're Saying About the Podium Design for the 2008 Republican National Convention

Media Note Republican’s Commitment to Keeping Focus on Substance, Not Setting

About the Republican National Convention Podium Design:

Headline: "A stage where speakers, audience can see eye to eye..." (Star Tribune [Minneapolis, MN], August 15, 2008)
"...On convention podium, intimacy replaces grandeur." (St Paul Pioneer Press, August 15, 2008)
"'You can feed off the crowd. It'll be more visually interesting and provide a more intimate feel,'said Steven Schier, a political science professor at Carleton College." (St Paul Pioneer Press, August 15, 2008)

About the Democratic National Convention INVESCO Podium Design:

Headline: "Barack Obama To Address Supporters From God-Like Setting" (Telegraph [U.K.], August 28, 2008)
Headline: "'O' My God - Dems Erect Obama Temple" (New York Post, August 28, 2008)
"Democrats will kneel before the 'Temple of Obama' tonight. As if a Rocky Mountain coronation were not lofty enough, Barack Obama will aim for Mount Olympus when he accepts his party's nomination atop an enormous, Greek-columned stage..." (New York Post, August 28, 2008)
"Senior Democratic officials are expressing serious concerns about the political risks posed by Barack Obama's acceptance speech at Invesco Field at Mile High tonight." (The Denver Post, August 28, 2008)

Republican National Convention Officially Unveils Podium Photos

Republican National Convention Officially Unveils Podium

(SAINT PAUL, Minn.) – The transformation process at the Xcel Energy Center for the 2008 Republican National Convention is nearing completion.  The convention podium and extensive progress was unveiled during a media walk-through on Thursday, August 28.  Maria Cino, 2008 Republican National Convention President and CEO; Director of Operations Mike Miller; and General Contractor Greg Lane discussed the transformation that has taken place over the past six weeks.

Tennessee Delegates To Display Belmont Debate08 Pins, Stickers During Convention Roll Call

Belmont Debate08 Hits National Convention Floors
Tennessee delegates to display Belmont Debate08 pins, stickers during Roll Call

In anticipation of hosting the 2008 Town Hall Presidential Debate on Oct. 7, Belmont University is taking to the floors of the Democratic and Republican National Conventions. The night before the respective candidates at both conventions accept their nominations, delegates from Tennessee will don Belmont University Debate08 stickers and lapel pins. Representatives from Tennessee will introduce the state as the host site of the 2008 Town Hall Presidential Debate at Belmont University before Tennessee’s roll call at both the Democratic and Republican conventions. The Democratic National Convention is taking place in Denver this week, and the DNC Roll Call is scheduled for today between 4-6 p.m. Central (3-5 p.m. Mountain). The Republican National Convention follows next week in Minneapolis, Sept. 1-4.

“The national conventions have long been viewed as the kickoff into the final stretch of the election season,” Belmont President Bob Fisher said. “It is an appropriate venue for Belmont to make its first push on the national stage as the eyes of the world turn from the conventions to the series of presidential debates. As host to the first presidential debate to ever be held in Tennessee, it is something we are glad our citizens and delegates are celebrating with us.”

Signs of the debate have been popping up around Nashville for several months. When travelers arrive at Nashville International Airport they are greeted by Debate08 Welcome signs in baggage claim. Billboards, banners throughout downtown Nashville and the Belmont campus and a 45’x12” banner adorning the university’s bell tower tout Belmont’s role in the 2008 election.

“Our goal is to be sure that the whole world knows that a town hall debate will be held at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn.,” Fisher said. “We are proud to have received this honor and hope to instill that same sense of pride in our students, alumni and friends throughout Nashville and the rest of the country.”

About Belmont University
Belmont University, host of the 2008 Town Hall Presidential Debate, is a fast-growing community of 5,000 students who come from almost every state and more than 25 countries. Committed to being a leader among teaching universities, Belmont brings together the best of liberal arts and professional education in a Christian community of learning and service. The university’s purpose is to help students explore their passions and develop their talents to meet the world’s needs. With more than 75 areas of study, 12 master’s programs and three doctoral degrees, there is no limit to the ways Belmont University can expand an individual's horizon.

About 2008 Town Hall Presidential Debate
The 2008 Town Hall Presidential Debate at Belmont University is made possible through the generosity of our lead sponsors, Hospital Corporation of America, Jack C. Massey Foundation, The Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County and the State of Tennessee. Additional support is provided by AT&T; Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell and Berkowitz; Bank of America; Bridgestone Americas; Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc.; Pat and George Bullard; Dell, Inc.; Dollar General Corporation; Earl Swensson Associates, Inc.; Enterprise Electric, LLC; Fifth Third Bank; First Tennessee Bank; The Frist Foundation; Gaylord Entertainment; Interior Design Services, Inc.; Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce; Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau; Nissan North America; Partnership for Chronic Disease; Purity Dairies, Inc.; Reliant Bank; Sherrard & Roe; The Tennessean; Walker, Tipps & Malone; Waller, Landsden, Dortch & Davis, Zycron, Inc.