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Fred Frommer
Washington

Republicans sign on to bring 2008 convention to Twin Cities

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(AP) The Republican National Committee gave its official approval Thursday for the Twin Cities to host the 2008 GOP Convention, formalizing a decision it made last year aimed at helping the party compete in the Midwest.

Delegates from around the country responded with a standing ovation, and Gov. Tim Pawlenty promised, "We will not let you down."

"I want you to know that some of you may have kind of an outdated vision of Minnesota politically - it's changed a bit," Pawlenty said, referring to the state's history as the party of Democrats like Hubert Humphrey, Walter Mondale and Paul Wellstone. The last Republican presidential candidate to win Minnesota was Richard Nixon in 1972.

Republicans hope the location will give them a boost in Minnesota as well as the neighboring states of Wisconsin and Iowa. All three were battleground states in the last presidential election. The 2008 convention will be held at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.

Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn., gave a plug to Pawlenty's chances for higher office.

"If we're looking for a good vice presidential candidate in '08, I don't have to look too far," he said to applause. "He's right behind me."

Pawlenty has been mentioned as a possible running mate for the Republican ticket next year. This week, he was named to co-chair Arizona Sen. John McCain's presidential exploratory committee.

Coleman said that although the Twin Cities are small, "We play big. ... In many ways, we're the little engine that could."

Even though the room was packed with Republicans, two high-profile Democrats shared the limelight as well: St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak.

"We are going to put on a great show for you," said Chris Coleman, no relation to the senator.

Added Rybak: "The one thing we want you to say is that Minneapolis-St. Paul put the party in Republican Party."

In a news conference, both mayors said they were satisfied with the language of the contract that will allow the cities to co-host the convention.

"It's a contract that ensures that the cities will provide basic services - and the costs above that will be paid for by the (host) committee," said Rybak. "That's the right structure, it's the right way to do it, it's the right division of power."

The host committee is responsible for fundraising, marketing and coordination of transportation, facilities, security and other activities for the convention. Chris Coleman said he believes the contract protects the financial interests of St. Paul.