2008 Republican Convention

The 2008 Republican National Convention was held from September 1 to September 4 in the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. The party confirmed its nominee for president, Sen. John McCain, on the evening of September 3. McCain delivered his acceptance speech on the following night, promising that "change is coming," and exhorting the audience to "stand up and fight!"¹

Fast Facts

1. Majority of Monday events suspended due to Hurricane Gustav
2. Venue: Xcel Energy Center, which can seat 20,000 people and hosts more than 150 events per year²
3. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, party officials, volunteers, members of the media and convention guests attended²
4. Convention President and CEO: Maria Cino²
5. The convention pumped an estimated $150-$160 million into the economy of the host cities²
6. Second time the Republican Party has held its convention in Minneapolis; first was 10th Republican National Convention in 1892²
7. Approximately 16,000 rooms in more than 100 hotels throughout Minneapolis and St. Paul were blocked off for attendees³
8. The 2008 presidential election is the first without an incumbent president or vice president seeking the nomination since 1928³

Impact of Hurricane Gustav

With Hurricane Gustav predicted to make landfall in Louisiana at the same time as the GOP Convention's opening night, plans were changed at the last minute to make the event less of a celebration and more appropriate for the circumstances. George W. Bush and Dick Cheney decided not to appear, and the opening night featured Laura Bush and Cindy McCain making an appeal for donations for hurricane relief.

Related Pages on Mahalo

McCain Acceptance Speech | Election 2008 | Republican Party | Mitt Romney | John McCain | Mike Huckabee | Ron Paul | Fred Thompson Convention Speech 2008 | 2008 Democratic Convention | Super Tuesday | Sarah Palin Convention Speech 2008 | Cindy McCain Convention Speech 2008 | Rudy Giuliani Convention Speech 2008 | Miles McPherson | Matthew DePalma | Community Organizer | Code Pink

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