RNC protests in Minn. to appeal parade permit
by The Associated Press
 
MINNEAPOLIS -- A coalition of protesters planning to march during the Republican National Convention says it will push St. Paul for a permit more to its liking.

Earlier this week, the city issued a permit that would let the protesters get within 300 feet of the Xcel Energy Center, where the convention will be held.

However, the Coalition to March on the RNC and Stop the War complains that the route is logistically impossible.

They also object to the requirement that protesters leave the area closest to the convention center by 2 p.m., September 1st, the first day of the event.

An attorney for the coalition says the next step is to appeal to the City Council, which has its next meeting on Wednesday.

In related news, a federal court hearing scheduled for Friday to discuss a protest route for the convention has been canceled.

Representatives of the city of St. Paul and a protest group say they agreed to postpone it.