2008 Republican National Convention block schedule

As we approach the Republican National Convention Sept. 1-4 in St. Paul, more and more information is being forwarded to the delegates.

Maria Cino is the Chief Executive Officer and President for the convention ... in other words, she's running the show ... which means the convention is in good hands.

I first met Maria during the Bush for President campaign in February 2000 when she and her crew from Austin, including my sister, came into Richmond 10 days out from the primary and set up shop at GOP headquarters.

Maria never let up. She was in charge of the whole operation and she worked harder than anyone else. I particularly remember the cell phone seeming to be permanently attached to her ear as she pulled it all together. She and my sister were role models in how to put your nose to the grindstone to work these campaigns ... it is a lesson I have never forgotten.

For that campaign, my Bush-employed sister had called me back home to Richmond from Augusta County, and she had pulled in my Chesterfield sister, and the three of us worked that campaign 12 hours a day for 10 days until the job was done. George W. Bush won, they moved on to the next primary state, and I came back to Augusta County to work the campaign from this end. I've been at it ever since.

I saw Maria again at the GOP Convention in Philly that summer of 2000 where George W. Bush became the Republican candidate for president. My mom, both sisters, and I were there to witness it all. What a wonderful opportunity it was to watch history in action.

I haven't seen Maria since but have kept up with her accomplishments through my Texas sister. I hope to say "hello" while in St. Paul.

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Maria Cino, Chief Executive Officer and President for the 2008 Republican National Convention, today announced the program block schedule for the upcoming Republican National Convention. The program blocks are as follows:

Monday, September 1: 2:30 - 10:00 p.m. CDT*
Tuesday, September 2: 6:20 - 10:05 p.m. CDT
Wednesday, September 3: 6:20 - 11:20 p.m. CDT
Thursday, September 4: 6:20 - 10:15 p.m. CDT
*Note: there will be a 30-minute break at 6:30 p.m. CDT

"We are pleased to announce the official block schedule for the 2008 Republican National Convention and are confident this year’s compelling program will be one of the most exciting in GOP convention history," said Cino. "The convention will showcase Sen. John McCain and his vision for America to the 45,000 convention participants joining us from around the country and the millions more participating from home."

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 visit our website and join our social network sites on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Minneapolis-St. Paul, here we come! Only five weeks to go....