What's In A Name? Republicans Not Holding Events At Neighborhood House AKA Wellstone Center

The Paul and Sheila Wellstone Center for Community Building was on the approved list. A place where those who wanted to host events for the Republicans could have chosen to have an event.

If things had worked out, having the Republican Convention in town could have added about $100,000 to their budget. That's because the event planner in charge of trying to attract Republican revelers to this particular venue had commitments from all vendors that 10% of their fees would go to support the center.

When Kristi Shepherd Gray submitted five different proposals to have the Center host various events she was optimistic. If all five came through she would have a very profitable week. Even if just a few came through, it would still be great.

But none came through. Not one." Could it be the name of the venue  played a role?" I asked Kristi over a cup of coffee.

Kristi didn't think so.

I'm not so sure. As an outsider, I simply can't see a party sponsor sending out invitations to the movers and shakers of the Republican party that also has the name Wellstone on it.

If he were still alive today, Barack Obama would not be listed as the most liberal Democrat in the Senate. Wellstone would.

Of course, the center isn't a political place. It's a community place.A 2 year old $25 million dollar structure that is used for events, meetings, weddings and parties.It's a  place that works every day to implement  the very values that Republicans espouse: family values. With its classes to help immigrants learn English, its food shelf and computer labs.the Paul and Sheila Wellstone Center For Community Building plays an important role in St.Paul.

Kristi argues that the Republicans just aren't having as many parties as the RNC pitched. There is some evidence that's true. More on that at BlogHer

Image credit: MPR