Ron Paul to stage his own GOP event

(Pioneer Press: JOHN DOMAN)

Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul has tentatively reserved Williams Arena at the University of Minnesota, a school spokesman said Tuesday, as the campaign plans a separate gathering during the national GOP convention Sept. 1-4.

"We plan on having a large rally," Paul spokesman Jesse Benton said. "We want it to be a celebration of Republican values and what the Republican Party has traditionally stood for."

But Benton also said Paul wants to send a message to the GOP "that we need to return to our roots" of limited government and personal responsibility.

The daylong event Sept. 2 will feature musicians, guest speakers and Paul himself, according to Benton, who said he couldn't yet disclose the entertainers' names or predict how many people would attend.

University spokesman Dan Wolter confirmed in an e-mail that the Paul campaign has a hold on Williams Arena in Minneapolis for Sept. 2, when Republicans will be meeting at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.

"Nothing has been finalized at this point, and we don't have a contract," Wolter said. "But details are being discussed."

Benton said Williams Arena is one of the 10,000-plus capacity venues under consideration.

He said the event isn't meant to detract from presumptive Republican nominee John McCain or the Republican Party. That's why it's being held the Tuesday of the convention week, before McCain's vice-presidential pick speaks Wednesday and McCain speaks to the convention Thursday, Benton said.

"Our doors are open. We're all friends," he said.

Supporters of the Texas congressman have been pushing unsuccessfully for him to have a speaking role at the Republican National Convention.

They've made stands on his behalf at state Republican conventions around the country and have fought to secure delegates for him, though he has few. His supporters are expected to be vocal again when the Texas Republican Party convention begins Thursday in Houston.

Paul does not have an official speaking role at the Texas convention, either, but will be introduced with others from the state's congressional delegation. Paul is to speak at a rally near the convention hall the opening night of the state meeting.

Meanwhile, a group of Texas Republican activists coordinated by Paul supporter Debra Medina of Wharton County has been waging a court battle before the convention to try to force a debate of challenges to convention delegates.

The group claims there were election law violations in choosing about 200 local delegates around the state and alleges state party leaders aren't interested in following the rules governing the convention.

"It appears their only interest is maintaining control," Medina said.