Michael Steele

MINNEAPOLIS - The GOPAC is trying to build the Republican farm team, and executive director David Avella says Washington state is doing a fine job with the seeding process. Former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, who chairs the political action committee, was supposed to appear at yesterday's lunch at Rossi's Steakhouse in Minneapolis, but a schedule change at the last minute had him replaced with the group's executive director David Avella.

He told the delegates and guests that there were a few main reasons it was important for them to hear his speech. Number one, he said, they represent the diversity in the Republican party.

MINNEAPOLIS - Dino Rossi is back in Washington state all week, so the Republican delegation is going to have to settle for the other Rossi. No, not Carlo, the delegates and staff will be heading to a restaurant called Rossi's Steakhouse in downtown Minneapolis this afternoon for an early dinner before the convention kicks off this evening in St. Paul, Minn.

Rossi will join in via web conference to address the delegates while they are at the restaurant. In addition to the gubernatorial candidate former Maryland Lt. Governor Michael Steele, who currently chairs the GOPAC, a political action committee dedicated to recruiting and training the next generation of Republican leaders, will attend the event in person.