ELECTION NEWS
August 25, 2008
The Republican National Convention
September 1-4, 2008
Fact File
The twin cities of Minneapolis-Saint Paul are set to host the Republican National Convention. The Republican Party will officially nominate Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin as its candidates in the 2008 election for the nation’s highest offices.
Last Friday, McCain made a surprise pick for his running mate. He chose Palin, the 44-year-old governor of Alaska. She is the first woman to run on a Republican presidential ticket and the second woman to run for Vice President for a major party. (In 1984, Geraldine Ferraro was the Democratic candidate for Vice President.) Palin was also the first female governor of Alaska—and its youngest. She and her husband, Todd, have five children.
McCain wrapped up the nomination in March after accumulating 1,194 delegates in the primary battle. Convention delegates represent their state or territory. Each delegation casts a vote to nominate its choice for President and Vice President. Delegates also approve their party’s positions on important national issues.
This is the second time the Republican Party holds its convention in Minnesota. In 1892, the tenth annual party meeting was held in Minneapolis. Republicans nominated Benjamin Harrison for President. That election pitted Harrison, an incumbent President, against Grover Cleveland, a former President. Cleveland won the general election.
St. Paul’s Xcel Energy Center is the main site of the convention. The arena is the home of the National Hockey League’s Minnesota Wild.
By the NumbersMinnesota’s nickname is the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” The state boasts 11,842 lakes that are 10 acres or larger.
Delegates represent their state or territory; 2,380 delegates will attend the convention.
California has the largest delegation. The state is sending173 delegates.
More than 45,000 people will participate in the convention. That includes delegates, volunteers, party officials and members of the media.
About 16,000 hotels rooms have been booked in the area.
In 2004, 200 volunteers inflated 100,000 biodegradable balloons for the Republicans’ big party.
Who’s Who?Maria Cino is the convention president and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). She manages the day-to-day operations of the convention.
Tim Pawlenty is the Republican governor of Minnesota.
Norm Coleman is a Republican senator from the state.
Both Coleman and Pawlenty are scheduled to speak at the convention. Other official speakers scheduled to take the stage include: President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush, Senator Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut, governors Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Lingle, Charlie Crist and Bobby Jindal, former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, and of course, John and Cindy McCain.
You can find out more and keep up with events all week at gopconvention2008.com
