Protesters say they won't challenge revised permit

Last update: August 13, 2008 - 10:00 PM

After nearly two years of squabbling over a permit for a Sept. 1 antiwar demonstration at the Republican National Convention, protest leaders said Wednesday that they have received a slightly revised parade permit from the city of St. Paul and will not challenge it in court.

The permit lists a public assembly starting time of 11 a.m. at the State Capitol in St. Paul, where a rally is scheduled, followed by a march to the Xcel Energy Center, where the convention will be in session. The permit, issued by St. Paul police, says that the march will be completed by 4 p.m. but that protesters can stay on at the Capitol grounds until 7 p.m.

The main slogan for the demonstration is "U.S. Out of Iraq Now," and organizers say they expect it to draw 50,000 people. Estimates have ranged up to 100,000 although some observers have speculated that turnout could be considerably smaller.

The protesters sought to change the route and start time by filing suit in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis but were rebuffed last month by Judge Joan Ericksen, who sided with St. Paul officials.

Mick Kelly, a protest spokesman, said demonstration organizers have decided not to appeal the decision but instead to concentrate on getting people out for the rally and march.

The organization's website is www.marchonrnc.org.

RANDY FURST

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