What They’re Saying About the Republican National Convention VIDEO

Convention Preparations on Target "Indeed, both parties were interested in St. Paul's bid but Republicans moved more quickly and grabbed it first.

And their convention planning so far [has] been a model of efficiency and organization while Democrats in Denver have wrestled with logistical complications and fundraising woes." (Associated Press)

Republicans kick into high gear and begin the build-out of the Xcel Energy Center:

* "When Neil Diamond leaves the Xcel Energy Center after this weekend's two-night gig, the Xcel Energy Center will shut down for six weeks while it undergoes a Republican Party makeover, turning it into a launching pad for John McCain's 2008 presidential bid." (Pioneer Press) 'X' about to begin its political makeover, July 20, 2008)

"Republican National Convention planners took their tangible steps forward Monday, beginning a six-week conversion from hockey arena and concert hall to political showplace for the Sept. 1-4 nominating convention." (Associated Press,) Republicans start arena conversion for convention, July 21, 2008)

"This is not the first GOP convention to be held in Minnesota - Minneapolis hosted the Republican convention back in 1892, but this time around the scale is mind boggling." (KARE, July 21, 2008)

"They'll spend the next six weeks running miles of wires through the building, and building hospitality and media suites. When all is built, John McCain will accept the Republican Party's nomination a few feet from where the Minnesota Wild and their opponents usually sit during hockey games." (Minnesota Public Radio, )

The 2008 Republican National Convention hires convention veterans who apply lessons learned from past conventions and therefore, significantly contribute to highly successful conventions:

* "General contractor Freeman Co. has handled a succession of GOP conventions. Its work includes the extra-quick conversion of the Houston Astrodome in 1992 (which included raising five miles of light trusses to the Astrodome roof) and the creation of a false floor (with offices underneath) in Madison Square Garden for the 2004 convention in New York City." (Pioneer Press) 'X' about to begin its political makeover, July 20, 2008)

"They are old pros. It's the sixth Republican convention for Greg Lane, the general contractor who works for Freeman, which is coordinating the convention makeover, and the 10th convention for Mike Miller, director of operations for the arrangement committee. Their roles are said to underscore the philosophy of Maria Cino, the convention's CEO, to rely on convention veterans to make things work." (Star Tribune) RNC gets the keys; time for an X-treme makeover, July 21, 2008)

The Republican National Convention will have an estimated $160 million economic impact on Minneapolis-Saint Paul. The build-out for the convention is also benefitting many local workers in the Twin Cities:

* Reporter: "What I'm hearing from these carpenters inside the Xcel Energy Center is that they are eager to work hard and get this place ready for the Republican National Convention." (KSTP) July 21, 2008)

Interviewed Worker: "I haven't been working for a while. This is going to put food on the table. I'm a single parent, and a full-time dad." (KSTP)

View other clips from today’s move-in into the Xcel Energy Center here:

• KARE: The Final Countdown to Convention Begins Today
• KSTP: Construction Begins at Xcel
• KSTP: Xcel Energy Center Gets a Makeover
• KSTP: Republican Convention Takes Over Xcel
• WCCO: RNC Preparations Begin At Xcel Energy Center

About the Republican National Convention - The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center from Sept. 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the four-day event. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please join our social network sites on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and YouTube