Republicans from all over the country are calling NorthCentral Wisconsin home this weekend.

They're here for the state GOP Convention that's taking place at Holiday Inn Convention Center in Stevens Point.
Visiting republicans are rallying support for Presidential hopeful Senator John McCain.

The party says the convention's focus is highlighting the importance of Wisconsin as a key state in this year's presidential election.

Executive Director for the Wisconsin Republican Party, Mark Jefferson says, “It’s no accident that were here in Stevens Point and NorthCentral Wisconsin having our convention here because the demographics are changing and NorthCentral Wisconsin is actually becoming a little better for republicans."

Party representatives say the convention is also trying to encourage younger republicans in high school and in college to get out and vote, by creating sources for them to stay informed and involved.