Charlie Black, a top adviser to John McCain, told Iowans the candidate was due to arrive in the Twin Cities today around noon. McCain's vice presidential pick Sarah Palin is set to address the convention tonight and McCain is due to speak tomorrow.

Black also gave a vague preview of keynoter Rudy Giuliani's speech, saying he would take on Barack Obama "on the issues," delivering a stronger speech than the one he gave in 2004.

Black ended his remarks by predicting a close election in Iowa and saying, "If we win Iowa, we're going to win the general election."

-- By Mike Schramm

Labels: RNC2008