2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

GOP Convention Names Party Headquarters, Delegation Hotels

GOP Convention Names Party Headquarters, Delegation Hotels

Saint Paul's Hilton Garden Inn to Host Minnesota Delegation;
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis to Welcome Republican National Committee

(SAINT PAUL, Minn.) - With less than five months before the 2008 Republican National Convention gets underway at the Xcel Energy Center, the Committee of Arrangements (COA) today announced the host hotels for the 56 Republican delegations that will travel to Minneapolis-Saint Paul to formally nominate Sen. John McCain as the GOP's candidate for President of the United States. The GOP also announced the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis will serve as the headquarters hotel for the Republican National Committee (RNC).

As part of today's announcement, convention President and CEO Maria Cino joined MSP 2008 Host Committee CEO Jeff Larson and Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Ron Carey at Saint Paul's Hilton Garden Inn to proclaim the hotel's selection as the official delegation hotel for the host Minnesota delegation.

"Today's announcement is an exciting and pivotal step in our preparations for the convention," Cino said. "Our partners in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul hotel community have worked diligently with our convention staff to secure accommodations for the thousands of guests who will be attending the convention, and we're grateful for their efforts.

"We want to congratulate the Hilton Garden Inn for being selected as the official hotel for the Minnesota delegation, and the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis for being selected as our Party's convention-week headquarters," Cino added. "We're confident the Hilton Garden Inn and the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, along with all the delegation hotels in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area, will serve as outstanding hosts for our visitors from across the country."

"We're looking forward to establishing our headquarters at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, as well as an exciting and successful convention in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, where we will launch Sen. John McCain to the White House," said convention Chairman and RNC Co-Chairman Jo Ann Davidson.

The convention's Delegate Services staff has reserved more than 16,000 hotel rooms in 101 area hotels. Thirty-five hotels will serve as official delegation hotels for the 56 delegations representing states, territories, and the District of Columbia. The remaining hotels will host other visitors during the convention, including media and GOP officials.

"I am thrilled the Minnesota delegation will be staying at the Hilton Garden Inn during the Republican National Convention," Chairman Carey said. "As we nominate Senator McCain to be the next president of the United States, I look forward to showcasing our great state to the entire world. I am certain our delegation will have a world-class experience at the Hilton Garden Inn."
"We know that the hotel industry in the Minneapolis, Saint Paul and Bloomington area will do an amazing job hosting the delegations from around the country," said Jeff Larson, CEO of the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee. "This is an excellent opportunity to roll out the red carpet and truly demonstrate what 'Minnesota Nice' is all about and we look forward to hosting the delegates, media and visitors who will be in for the convention."

Travel Technology Group, the convention's Official Housing Bureau, will assist convention guests with their travel plans. Travel Tech will manage the official convention hotel block and coordinate a paperless, online reservation system as part of the convention's effort to be more environmentally friendly.

The official delegation hotel assignments for the 2008 Republican National Convention are:
Alabama - The Marquette Hotel
Alaska - Ramada Mall of America
American Samoa - Four Points by Sheraton Minneapolis
Arizona - The Saint Paul Hotel
Arkansas - Embassy Suites Minneapolis-Airport
California - Sheraton Bloomington Hotel Minneapolis South & Sofitel Minneapolis- Bloomington
Colorado - Four Points by Sheraton Minneapolis
Connecticut - Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Maple Grove Northwest Minneapolis-Arbor Lakes
Delaware - Best Western Normandy Inn & Suites - Minneapolis
District of Columbia - DoubleTree Guest Suites Minneapolis
Florida - Minneapolis Airport Marriott
Georgia - DoubleTree Hotel Minneapolis - Park Place
Guam - DoubleTree Hotel Minneapolis - Park Place
Hawaii - Embassy Suites Bloomington
Idaho - Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
Illinois - Millennium Hotel Minneapolis
Indiana - Embassy Suites Bloomington
Iowa - La Quinta Inn & Suites Minneapolis Bloomington West
Kansas - Country Inn & Suites by Carlson Bloomington at Mall of America
Kentucky - Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
Louisiana - Crowne Plaza Minneapolis North
Maine - Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
Maryland - Embassy Suites St. Paul-Downtown
Massachusetts - Crowne Plaza Bloomington
Michigan - The Northland Inn
Minnesota - Hilton Garden Inn St. Paul City Center
Mississippi - Embassy Suites Minneapolis-Airport
Missouri - Ramada Minneapolis Northwest & Water Park
Montana - Best Western Normandy Inn & Suites - Minneapolis
Nebraska - Best Western Normandy Inn & Suites - Minneapolis
Nevada - The Saint Paul Hotel
New Hampshire - Hilton Minneapolis
New Jersey - Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport Mall of America
New Mexico - Holiday Inn Minneapolis Metrodome
New York - Minneapolis Marriott City Center
Northern Mariana Islands - Country Inn & Suites by Carlson Bloomington at Mall of America
North Carolina - Holiday Inn Minneapolis Metrodome
North Dakota - DoubleTree Guest Suites Minneapolis
Ohio - Radisson Plaza Hotel Minneapolis & The Marquette Hotel
Oklahoma - Four Points by Sheraton Minneapolis
Oregon - La Quinta Inn & Suites Minneapolis Bloomington West
Pennsylvania - Minneapolis Marriott Southwest
Puerto Rico - Courtyard Minneapolis Maple Grove/Arbor Lakes
Rhode Island - Hyatt Place Minneapolis Airport-South
South Carolina - Hilton Minneapolis
South Dakota - Courtyard Minneapolis Maple Grove/Arbor Lakes
Tennessee - Ramada Mall of America
Texas - Crowne Plaza Hotel St. Paul-Riverfront
US Virgin Islands - Radisson University Hotel-Minneapolis
Utah - Sofitel Minneapolis - Bloomington
Vermont - Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
Virginia - Radisson University Hotel-Minneapolis
Washington - Crowne Plaza Northstar Minneapolis-Downtown
West Virginia - Crowne Plaza Bloomington
Wisconsin - Minneapolis Marriott City Center
Wyoming - Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis St. Paul-Shoreview

Senator Amy Klobuchar Endorses Barack Obama

SENATOR AMY KLOBUCHAR ENDORSES BARACK OBAMA

Chicago, IL – Today, United States Senator Amy Klobuchar endorsed Barack Obama, citing his leadership on historic ethics reform and consumer product issues, his ability to bring change that matters in the lives of families across the country, and his support within her state.

Senator Klobuchar said, “The Democratic Party is blessed this year with two candidates with many excellent leadership qualities, and I believe  each of them would be  a strong president.  I am endorsing Barack Obama today, because he has inspired an enthusiasm and idealism that we have not seen in this country in a long time. "

“I am endorsing Barack because he is a new kind of leader – speaking with a different voice, bringing a new perspective and inspiring a real excitement from the American people.  He is able to dissolve the hard cynical edge that has dominated our politics under the Bush Administration.  I believe Barack can unify the American people to address the many challenges facing our nation.”

“The energy that Barack has unleashed is impossible to contain,” said Klobuchar, noting caucus turnout in Minnesota was three times the previous record – more than anyone imagined or planned for – including many first-time caucus-goers, particularly young people and independents.  Obama won Minnesota’s caucuses 66%-32%.

Senator Klobuchar added, “My endorsement reflects both Barack’s strong support in my state and my own independent judgment about his abilities.  During our time together in the Senate, we have worked together for change, from ethics reform to protecting our children from toxic toys.  Barack has been a proven agent for change and advocate for middle class Americans.”

Senator Obama said, "Senator Klobuchar has spent years working to make a difference in the lives of families in Minnesota, and I’m grateful to have her support.  Minnesota voters sent Senator Klobuchar to Washington to bring about real change, and that’s what she’s done – from helping pass landmark lobbying reform to making sure imports are safe for our children to taking on the tough issues that matter to middle class families and working Americans.  And I look forward to fighting side by side with her in the months ahead to bring about real change, not just for the people of Minnesota, but for all Americans.”

Senator Klobuchar is the 64th superdelegate to endorse Senator Obama since February 5th.

Republican Party of Minnesota Applauds John McCain On Securing The Republican Nomination

Republican Party of Minnesota Applauds John McCain on Securing the Republican Nomination

St. Paul- Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Ron Carey today issued the following statement regarding Senator John McCain’s securing of the Republican nomination for president of the United States.

“With his experience, judgment and character, Senator John McCain is the right choice to be the next commander in chief of our country.  A tested leader, Senator McCain stands strongly for limited government, lower taxes, a robust national defense and a culture of life.  Working with our great grassroots leaders from Winona to Warroad, I look forward to helping elect Senator McCain the next president of the United States.”

Additional RNC Members, Including Brian Sullivan Of Minnesota, Endorse John McCain

ADDITIONAL RNC MEMBERS ENDORSE JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that 19 additional Republican National Committee Members have endorsed John McCain for president.

"The Republican Party continues to rally around John McCain," said RNC Vice Chairman Chuck Yob. "John McCain will unite our party, and his broad electoral appeal will lift all Republicans running for office against stiff Democratic competition this November. He has shown that he has the experience and tested judgment to lead our nation and our Party from his first day in office."

John McCain thanked the RNC members, saying, "I am grateful for these RNC delegates' support. Their service to our party has been admirable and I am proud to have them on my team."

Members of the Republican National Committee are automatically seated as delegates at the Republican National Convention.

ADDITIONAL RNC MEMBERS FOR MCCAIN

Saul Anuzis, Michigan 
Henry Barbour, Mississippi 
Morton Blackwell, Virginia 
James Bopp Jr, Indiana 
Giovanni Cicione, Rhode Island 
Sharon Day, Florida 
Mark Ellis, Maine 
Jim Greer, Florida 
Virginia Haines, New Jersey 
Ray Hoffman, Iowa
Douglas McKinney, West Virginia 
Cindy Phillips, Mississippi 
Steve Roberts, Iowa 
Steve Robertson, Kentucky 
Katherine Russell, Kentucky 
Bob Schaffer, Colorado 
Paul Senft, Florida 
Robin Smith, Tennessee 
Brian Sullivan, Minnesota

Minnesota Caucus Report

Traffic is backed up for one mile outside of Mounds View High School where the DFL is holding their Caucus . Once inside they are greeted by long lines stretching down the hall.

Down the road at Highview Middle School, the GOP is directing voters to an overflow parking lot and setting up additional chairs for the large turnout at the Republican Caucus.

Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Presidential Preference Ballot Results

Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Presidential Preference Ballot Results

 

                                                     

Candidate	Totals	Percentage
Joe Biden	68	0.04%
Hillary Clinton	54204	31.62%
Chris Dodd	16	0.01%
John Edwards	820	0.48%
Dennis Kucinich	321	0.19%
Barack Obama	114804	66.97%
Bill Richardson	87	0.05%
Uncommitted	1083	0.63%

 

Republican Party of Minnesota Presidential Preference Ballot Results

Republican Party of Minnesota Presidential Preference Ballot Results

 

                                         

Candidate	Totals	Percentage
Mike Huckabee	8850	20.14%
Alan Keyes	269	0.61%
John McCain	9592	21.83%
Ron Paul	6742	15.34%
Mitt Romney	18326	41.70%
Write-in	167	0.38%

 

Barack Obama Minneapolis Live Streaming Video

Barack Obama Target Center Minneapolis Minnesota Live Streaming Video

Mitt Romney Will Hold A "Change Begins With Us" Rally Saturday In Edina, Minnesota

On Saturday, February 2, Governor Mitt Romney will campaign in Minnesota

Location:

Frauenshuh, Inc.
1st Floor Atrium
7700 France Avenue
Edina, MN 55439

Time: 7:30 p.m.

                                                                                                

Hillary Clinton Coming To Minnesota Sunday

Former Senator Mark Dayton, Assistant Majority Leader Tarryl Clark, and St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman announced today that Hillary Clinton will hold an event Sunday in Minnesota. Further details will be announced as they come available.