Paul mulling competing rally

Without a speaking slot confirmed at the Republican National Convention, Ron Paul is making other plans to be heard.

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported on its website today -- and the Associated Press confirmed -- that the Texas congressman has tentatively reserved Williams Arena at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis on Sept. 2, the second day of the GOP convention at the Xcel Energy Center in neighboring St. Paul.

"We plan on having a large rally," Paul spokesman Jesse Benton told the AP. "We want it to be a celebration of Republican values and what the Republican Party has traditionally stood for."

Benton said Paul wants to send a message to the GOP "that we need to return to our roots" of limited government and personal responsibility.

Paul, the only Republican who did not end his campaign once John McCain clinched the nomination, plans to announce the rally's details on Thursday at the Texas state GOP convention, the Tribune-Review reported.