MN: Paul plans Minneapolis shadow convention as St. Paul prepares GOP convention site
8:22 AM
The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports on maverick Republican Ron Paul's plans for this summer's GOP convention:
Supporters of Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul have ramped up plans for a local counterweight to the GOP's national convention in September.The Target Center, home to the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves, seats roughly 18,000 people. ABC News describes the plans for the event:
Not content with a planned rally at the University of Minnesota's Williams Arena on Sept. 2, the Paul forces now plan a three-day "Rally for the Republic" that will climax in a 10-hour extravaganza at Target Center in Minneapolis.
Paul's shadow convention (speakers include anti-tax crusader Grover Norquist, shaggy haired cable personality Tucker Carlson, and Barry Goldwater Jr.,) will be a test of his new group's staying power and organizational mettle. Supporters have been encouraged to exploit state delegate rules to get appointed to, infiltrate and make themselves known at the national convention before decamping for the Target Center.Meanwhile, preparations in St. Paul are already underway to convert the Xcel Energy Center (home to the NHL's Minnesota Wild) to the focal point of the GOP convention. Protesters are working too -- three protest marches are already scheduled.
