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August 20, 2008
Service, Reform, Prosperity and Peace
The much-anticipated speakers and themes for the 2008 Republican National Convention were released this morning.
The convention’s overall theme, "Country First," reflects John McCain’s remarkable record of leadership and service to America. Each day of proceedings will center on a touchstone theme that has defined John McCain’s life and will be central to his vision for leading our nation forward as president.
The roster of speakers announced today includes John McCain, Mrs. Cindy McCain, 10 current and former Republican governors, five current and former U.S. Senators and two well-respected businesswomen. Their remarks will echo the themes that have been selected for each of the convention’s four days: service, reform, prosperity and peace.
Click here for a complete list of speakers.
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August 19, 2008
Juggler in Chief
This morning, the front page of Minnesota’s Star Tribune features a profile of Convention President and CEO Maria Cino. Dubbing her the "RNC's juggler in chief," the feature article provides a quick snapshot of what constitutes a typical day for the convention’s busy and energetic leader.
Cino (or "boss," as she is known in the office) is counting down the final days until September 1, when the convention officially begins and launches four days of events that will culminate in the Republican Party’s nomination of Senator John McCain. Cino can often be heard asking staff, "How many days?!"
Mara Cino’s distinguished career in politics spans 26 years. "There's no position she hasn't had in government," says her friend and the godmother of her two children Mary Matalin. Of her role overseeing the 2008 Republican National Convention, Cino says, "This is the best job I’ve ever had."
To read all about Maria Cino and her efforts to deliver the most exciting convention in GOP history, click here.
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August 18, 2008
The Media Are Coming
The 2008 Republican National Convention is the second largest media event in the world; second only to the Olympics. More than 15,000 members of the media will be on-site covering all aspects of the convention.
As the transformation inside the Xcel Energy Center progresses, media outlets from across the country and around the world have already arrived in Saint Paul to build-out their work spaces. Inside the Xcel Energy Center, illuminated signs hang in front of individual media suites boldly declaring their outlet’s presence in the convention hall.
In the adjacent RiverCenter and Roy Wilkins Auditorium media spaces are being wired for access to Internet, phone, cable and satellite feeds so that reporters can file their stories.
Outside, in a parking lot across the street from the Xcel Energy Center, FOX News erected a large tent, which will complement their suite inside the convention hall. The tent will serve as both a hospitality suite and broadcast news center for FOX's convention coverage.
An event with this much media coverage would typically require many outlets to work out of similar tent structures. However, because of the large capacity and close proximity (they are all connected) of the Xcel Energy Center, RiverCenter and Roy Wilkins auditorium, a majority of the media outlets will be indoors and close to the action occurring inside the convention hall.
Take a peek inside the convention hall here.
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August 18, 2008
From Central America to the Center of the Action
Another convention staffer was highlighted in their local paper this weekend. The Tuscolusa News noticed the work of Billy Godoy who is working on his second convention as the Associate Director of External Affairs for the 2008 Republican National Convention.
Although Godoy, whose full name is Guillermo Jose Godoy, has worked in U.S. politics for years, he did not become a U.S. citizen until recently.
To learn about his background and find out how he is preparing for the start of the convention just three weeks from now, read the full article here.
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August 15, 2008
1,000 hours and still going
Over the past 11 months, convention staff has participated in volunteer activities in and around the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area as part of the 2008 Republican National Convention’s American Neighbor program. Today, the program celebrated an important milestone when staff put the finishing touches on a new home in Woodbury, Minn., marking the initiative’s 1,000th hour of community service.
Since April, the convention staff, in cooperation with Homes for Our Troops and other partners, has worked tirelessly to build a home for Sergeant Marcus Kuboy, a wounded Iraq War veteran. Today, staff completed landscaping and other projects aimed at getting the home ready for Sergeant Kuboy’s September 1st move in.
The 1,000-hour milestone is the culmination of 11 months of activities, during which convention staff has participated in a variety of community service projects in and around Minneapolis-Saint Paul.
Watch local ABC affiliate KSTP’s coverage of the volunteer effort here.
Also, pictures from today’s landscaping and past construction work can be found on our Facebook page.
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August 15, 2008
36 Hours in Minneapolis-St. Paul
Less than 390 hours (but who’s counting) until the start of the 2008 Republican National Convention, and even fewer hours before guests begin to arrive in Minnesota.
Today, in the New York Times, David Carr wrote about the 36 hours he spent in Minneapolis-St. Paul as he tried to cram all of the area’s offerings into a one -and -a -half day trip.
"Minnesotans take pride in their humility, but make an exception when it comes to showing folks around," Carr quipped. "And they’re going to be very busy, with the Republican hordes showing up from Sept. 1 to 4 to crown John McCain at the Xcel Energy Center."
Click here to see the hour-by-hour rundown of his trip.
Also visit our YouTube Channel for a video tour of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
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August 14, 2008
And the Winner Is...
More than 280,000 people from across the country visited our YouTube Channel and watched RNC Chairman Duncan's video question: "Why are you a Republican in 2008?" The response was overwhelming, and the video answers we received detailed the wide range of reasons that Americans are Republican in 2008. From all of the submissions, only five finalists were chosen, and this week, America voted on the winner.
Thank you to everyone who watched, submitted and voted. It is your activism and support that will help send Senator John McCain to the White House in November.
The winning video is the work of Shawn Summers of Upper St. Claire, PA. Shawn will join the thousands of other attendees at the 2008 Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minn.
He will also spend one day on the campaign trail with Senator John McCain. Shawn has "full faith that Republican ideals work for America" and at the young age of 18, he is eager to cast his first vote for president for Sen. John McCain this November.
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August 12, 2008
The Center of the Action
In just 20 days, the 2008 Republican National Convention will commence in the Xcel Energy Center. Years of planning will come to life inside the convention hall as the gavel drops on September 1st.
The Xcel Energy Center is a state-of-the-art facility, and visitors to the GOP Convention are sure to be very impressed.
To get a feel for the transformation currently underway, check out the video below of the Xcel Energy Center just three weeks ago and then look at the photos in our Facebook album here.
Stay tuned for the timelapse video of the third week of transformation, which we will release this Wednesday. And, as always, pay close attention to the Grand Ol’ Blog for Convention build-out updates.
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August 11, 2008
Vote Early, Vote Often
Votes are pouring in this week for the "Why Are You a Republican in 2008?" YouTube contest. The five finalists are battling for the chance to win a trip to the 2008 Republican National Convention and the opportunity to spend one day on the campaign trail with Senator John McCain.
The contest attracted a wide array of participants. The Palm Beach Post noticed one of our finalists, Richie Mullaney of Jacksonville, FL "wants to put an end to ‘out of control spending’ in Congress."
Even U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss (GA) joined in on the action. While not an official contestant (he already has a ticket to the convention), Senator Chambliss spoke directly about why he is proud to be an American and a Republican.
Remember to visit www.youtube.com/GOPConvention2008 to vote once daily for each video. Simply select the thumbs up icon if you like the video or the thumbs down icon if you don’t. Following selection, click on "next video" to record your vote.
Voting ends Wednesday, August 13 at noon EST.
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August 11, 2008
All roads lead to Saint Paul
As you know, convention staff have come from all across the country to put together the most successful Republican National Convention to propel Senator John McCain to the White House in November.
Hailing from Philadelphia, PA, James Fitzpatrick wakes up bright and early each day to make sure everything in the convention offices are running smoothly. Serving as an administrative staff assistant, Fitzpatrick is responsible, in part, for the inventory and facilities management needs of the convention and also helps to coordinate personnel.
In an interview with the Chestnut Hill Local, James expressed his interest for politics and made clear his single objective for the rest of the year: "To do everything I can to help Sen. McCain and elect him the next president of the United States."
Likewise, Jason Mock from Carrollton, GA, is using his past experiences as College Republicans Chairman at the University of West Georgia and North Georgia political director for the Georgia Association of College Republicans to lead the convention Page Program. During the convention he will organize the 129 volunteer Pages, ages 16 to 25, as they serve as floor runners, assist with caucus meetings and distribute materials during sessions, as well as wave signs and energize the crowd.
In an article published over the weekend in the The Times-Georgian, Mock said of the program, "these are the future leaders of our country or the leaders in the community. We want to show them and introduce to them how to lead. We have a great schedule. It’s something these young adults will hopefully get a lot out of," he said. "Then they can hit the ground running for their party come November."
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The convention will utilize numerous mediums – both emerging and traditional – to share our nominee’s vision with the American people. We have a great appreciation for bloggers and the ever-increasing role new media has in providing real-time information and shaping public opinion. LEARN MORE
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