Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Minneapolis (AP)

Host committee for RNC disappointed with lack of state help

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
XCel Energy Center
XCel Energy Center in downtown St. Paul will host the Republican National Convention in Sept. 2008. RNC host committee leaders say they are disappointed the state did not provide financial help for the convention.
MPR photo/Tom Weber

The local host committee for the Republican National Convention says it's disappointed the state didn't follow through on promised financial help.

In a letter obtained by The Associated Press, local host committee chief executive Jeff Larson tells Governor Tim Pawlenty and legislative leaders that he's disappointed and has a "grave cause for concern."

As the host committee was trying to lure the convention to St. Paul, it negotiated a package that included a state commitment to back the committee's fundraising with a letter of credit that would be tapped if there's a cash flow shortage.

The Legislature didn't pass a bill seeking a $39 million letter of credit in 2007. And in 2008, a smaller amount of $14 million also wasn't approved.

Legislative leaders didn't respond Friday to requests for comment. A host committee spokeswoman says the committee has met its fundraising goals so far.

Gallery
1 of 1
XCel Energy Center
XCel Energy Center in downtown St. Paul will host the Republican National Convention in Sept. 2008. RNC host committee leaders say they are disappointed the state did not provide financial help for the convention.
MPR photo/Tom Weber