Local Minneapolis-Saint Paul Magazine:
'Republican National Committee appreciates women in politics - and so does The Sentinel.'
Interview with Jo Ann Davidson, Co-Chair of the Republican National Committee and Chair of the Committee on Arrangements for the 2008 Republican National Convention
Sentinel: As a woman, what does the Republican Party offer you?
Jo Ann Davidson: "I believe in the Republican Party's commitment to the strength and security of our nation; to a strong economy and low taxes; to letting people and communities make more of the decisions that affect their lives; to freedom at home and abroad; and to personal responsibility.
"As a mother and grandmother, I also applaud the Party's commitment to education, health care, and our seniors' retirement security. I believe that the Republican Party presents the best solutions to the problems facing our nation."
Sentinel: What do women need to know about the Republican Party in 2008?
Davidson: "Next year's presidential election is shaping up to be the most exciting contest for the White House we've seen in a long time. For the first time since 1928, there isn't an incumbent president or vice president running. We're just weeks from the first primaries, and it is still a wide open race. There is a lot at stake for our nation, and I know that women will be paying close attention.
"The Republican Party's candidates are proven leaders. All possess new ideas, fresh energy, and the capacity to lead. What I think women will appreciate is the Party's commitment to the issues most important to America's families - national security, jobs and the economy, health care, energy security, education, and values."
Sentinel: How many women are working at the convention?
Davidson: "Currently, 12 of our 22 staff members are women. I'm thrilled to be leading such a group - and together we are making history! Never before have the three top positions been filled by women. Working by my side at the Committee on Arrangements (COA) are COA President and CEO Maria Cino and COA Vice President Mel Raines."
Sentinel: What roles are played by women on your staff?
Davidson: "As I've mentioned, women hold the three top positions - Committee on Arrangements Chairman, President and CEO, and Vice President - and fill several other key roles on our staff. The Director of Finance, Director of Human Resources and Administration, Deputy Director of Hotels, Venues and Master Calendar, and other supporting roles are all filled by capable, Republican women."
Sentinel: Is there a history of women's involvement in the GOP in Minneapolis-Saint Paul?
Davidson: "Those of us planning next year's convention follow in a long line of Republican women - and interestingly enough - a long line of trailblazers here in Minnesota. In 1860, for example, journalist Jane Grey Swisshelm became known as the "Mother of the Republican Party" in Minnesota. In 1892, Minneapolis hosted the Republican Party's 10th presidential nominating convention. 1892 marked the first time women were seated at a Republican National Convention and the first time a Republican National Convention was addressed by a woman. Therese A. Jenkins and Cora Carleton, alternates from Wyoming, were the first women to be officially seated. J. Ellen Foster, chairman of the Women's Republican Association of the United States, addressed the crowd in Minneapolis and declared, 'We are here to help you, and we have come to stay.' Her message resonates in our offices today."
Sentinel: How does someone get involved?
Davidson: "With the help of volunteers, the 2008 Republican National Convention will be a truly remarkable event. Working with the MSP 2008 Host Committee, we hope to recruit more than 8,000 volunteers, who will perform key duties in the areas of transportation, information services, hospitality, and special events during the week of the convention. To participate as a 2008 Republican National Convention volunteer, please email volunteer@msp2008.com. I hope we'll see you in September!"
Sentinel: Why was Minneapolis-Saint Paul chosen to host the 2008 Republican National Convention?
Davidson: "After a thorough site selection process, the host cities were chosen for their vibrant communities; outstanding hotels and event venues, like Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center; and enthusiastic support from local officials and residents alike. We're still nine months out from the convention's opening session, and Minneapolis and Saint Paul are already proving to be the perfect choice for the GOP in 2008."
Sentinel: What do you think visitors' impressions will be of the Twin Cities?
Davidson: "I think that visitors traveling to the host cities - and the millions more who will experience the convention from home - will see that Minneapolis and Saint Paul have grown to become acclaimed centers of arts and entertainment; leaders in cutting-edge architecture; first rate shopping destinations; and homes to outstanding restaurants, hotels, and event venues."
Sentinel: What are the benefits to the Twin Cities of hosting the convention?
Davidson: "Hosting a national political convention will place Minneapolis and Saint Paul in the company of America's greatest cities. From September 1-4, 2008, the eyes of the world will be focused on the Republican nominee - and on the host cities.
"We are anticipating 45,000 convention guests, of which the media is expected to number 15,000, who will dine, shop, and overnight throughout Minneapolis and Saint Paul next September. The local business community is already reaping the benefits of hosting the convention - and that trend will surely continue. The host cities are projected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost, and preconvention planning should push the final total even higher."
Click here for more on the 2008 Republican National Convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota
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