Dual Convention Roles
Rybak, who was the first mayor to express support of Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama, visited the Democratic National Convention in August of 2008. Rybak will play host to the 2008 Republican Convention in September of 2008, which is being held in Minneapolis and St. Paul.MPR: Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak Plays Big Role at Both Conventions
In an Internet video posted on August 28, 2008, Rybak described his "method of madness" to hosting the Republican Convention. He jokingly referred to George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River, stating the reason Washington was so successful is because the soldiers on the other side had been up all night drinking. He continued on to say that he would attempt a similar strategy with the Convention, that the bars would be open until 4 a.m. and he would show the Republicans a good time, then swoop in to win the 2008 Election.iReport.com Video: R.T. Rybak Mayor of Minneapolis (Time: 0:42)
