The 2008 Republican primaries were the selection processes by which the Republican Party selected delegates to attend the 2008 Republican National Convention . The series of primaries , caucuses , and state conventions culminated in the National Convention which was held in Saint Paul , Minnesota , September 1 – 4 , 2008 , where the delegates voted on and selected a candidate . A simple majority of delegate votes in September ( 1,191 out of 2,380 ) was required to become the party 's nominee ; estimates based on delegate pledges had John McCain surpassing this total after the March 4 primaries in Ohio , Rhode Island , Texas , and Vermont
2008 Republican National Convention
2008 Republican National Convention
Results of the 2008 Republican Party presidential primaries