By Yaël Ossowski | Florida Watchdog

TAMPA — During the 2008 Republican National Convention in Minneapolis,  more than 10,000 supporters of Texas congressman and presidential candidate Ron Paulgathered at a competing celebration they dubbed the “Rally for the Republic,” complete with speeches, music and campaign flair meant to clash with the official convention across town.

The rally was organized by the Paul campaign after the congressman was denied a speaking role at the main convention, mostly likely because of his refusal to endorse Republican presidential nominee and Arizona Sen. John McCain.

For the 2012 RNC in Tampa, after a long-fought primary process which has so far accumulated close to 245 delegates for the congressman, many of those same supporters will indeed become part of the official delegate process on the floor of the convention—but that won’t stop their plans for a new party.

Supporters of Paul are organizing a three-day long Paul Festival, featuring political speakers, comedians, rock music and activism, according to the website.

Read more: Florida Watchdog