GOP to hold convention in Philly

By MATT WUNSCHE
Collegian Staff Writer

Recent events in Washington, D.C., have shown how politics have changed in the past 200 years -- but just as in 1787, Philadelphia will again be the site of a major political convention.

Over the weekend, the Republican National Committee (RNC) officially announced its national convention will take place in Philadelphia in the year 2000.

The Republican convention will need more than 10,000 volunteers to assist with various tasks, said Karen Besa, a staff member for Philadelphia 2000, the group coordinating convention arrangements. Volunteers of any age will work assisting media members, helping at restaurant and hotel reservation desks and possibly even working on the convention floor.

"We are counting on college student involvement," Besa said.

Although plans are tentative, the Philadelphia 2000 committee now is deciding how to involve students in the convention process. Proposed ideas include a convention for young Republicans and other special events that would take place during the convention, Besa said.

Melissa Kowalski, Penn State College Republicans chair, expects to participate in the convention.

"I live near Philadelphia, so I would love to get involved. It would be a good experience," she said.

While the exact itinerary still is being planned, the convention is the Republican Party's first unified step toward the presidential election.

During the conference, the party will nominate its presidential and vice presidential candidates, said Tim Fitzpatrick, deputy press secretary for the RNC.

Philadelphia was picked from a list of cities. The selection was based on a combination of logistical factors, including availability and quality of hotel rooms, venues, and transportation and financing proposals, Fitzpatrick said. Despite Philadelphia's advantages, he said the city needs volunteer help to make the convention a success.

"Primarily, (the convention) will need people who are familiar with Philadelphia's geography," Fitzpatrick said.