Paul backers land big venue for counter-convention
by The Associated Press
 
ST. PAUL -- Ron Paul's followers are trading venues for a Minnesota rally planned during the Republican National Convention, giving them room for thousands more spectators.

The unflinching conservative and former Republican presidential candidate is the headliner for the Rally for the Republic. It will take place at Target Center, home of basketball's Minnesota Timberwolves. Organizers expect as many as 15,000 people to attend.

The Republican National Convention is set for September 1-4 at St. Paul's Xcel Energy Center and will culminate with John McCain's nomination.

The Paul event planners had originally scoped out a college basketball arena that seats about 11,000 people. Local coordinator Marianne Stebbins says Paul will speak the evening of September 2.

Tickets go on sale this Friday.