2008 Republican National Convention

The 2008 Republican National Convention took place from September 1 through September 4 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. Although the incumbent party's convention is usually held in August, the Republican National Convention was scheduled to avoid conflicts with the 2008 Summer Olympics. The roots of the Republican National Convention go all the way back to 1856 when the first convention was held at Lafayette Hall in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. There were many speakers at the event including President George W. Bush, U.S. Senator Fred Thompson, U.S. Senator Norm Coleman, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, former New York Mayor Rudy Guiliani and former Hewlitt-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina. Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal was scheduled to speak, but was forced to cancel because of Hurricane Gustav. Musical guests at the convention included Trace Adkins, John Rich, Gretchen Wilson and Cowboy Troy. Although there were over 10,000 peaceful protesters outside the event, only a few people were arrested on minor charges. MORE