GOP Opts to Hold Republican National Convention in Twin Cities.

Minneapolis-St. Paul will host the 2008 Republican convention according to a party official. By beating out New York City, Cleveland and Tampa-St. Petersburg, the Twin Cities will welcome its first Republican national convention since 1892.

Despite carrying only 10 electoral votes, Minnesota is seen as a prime location for republicans to reach a major battle ground in the upcoming presidential election. Minnesota has long been a Democratic stronghold, last voting for a Republican presidential candidate in 1972, that being Richard Nixon.

Scheduled for September 1-4, 2008, the convention will take place at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.