Supporters of failed presidential candidate Ron Paul snapped up more than 6,000 tickets to a two-day alternative to the National Republican Convention. The tickets to the Rally for the Republic went on sale at 11 a.m. Friday through Ticketmaster. Six hours later, 6,217 were sold. Organizers hoped to boost interest in their rally with record single-day sales, similar to Paul's online collection of $4.3 million in one day for his failed presidential campaign. The sum was the largest Internet fundraising amount in a single day by a GOP candidate. The Rally for the Republic, inspired by Paul's message of limited government and strict following of the Constitution, is being held at Minneapolis' Target Center Aug. 31-Sept. 2. The center seats between 13,000 to 15,000 people. Jesse Benton, a spokesman for the rally, said the group wants to sell the maximum possible seats. Democratic candidate Barack Obama has drawn larger crowds in his campaign, but Benton said packing the Target Center would be a true boost for the group. The rally will feature such events as the Ron Paul Nation Celebration and a Campaign for Liberty Leadership Summit. "We think being able to pack Target Center sends a message this movement has legs and that there is going to be strong presence in Minneapolis to celebrate traditional Republican and American principles," Benton said. Ticket sales continue through Sept. 1 or until they are sold out. Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. Read more