They tried using the Twin Cities mayors — R.T. Rybak and Chris Coleman — but now it's time for the big guns. Birk and Kennedy are the marquee names the Republican National Convention folks will use to drum up volunteers for the Sept. 1-4 event in St. Paul.

Last week, the mayors held a press conference urging area residents to sign up to volunteer during the convention — helping with transportation, meeting and greeting, ushering, that kind of thing.

This, even though both mayors are Democrats. It's an important civic event, they said: a chance to show off the Twin Cities on a national stage. The mayors' efforts helped, and organizers inched closer to getting the 10,000 volunteers needed.

But today, the word went out that they still need 2,000 more; so they've got Minnesota Viking Matt Birk and World Wrestling Entertainment superstar Mr. Kennedy in the wings. The two athletes will appear in public service announcments that will begin airing this week.

Here's more information from the organizers:

Prospective volunteers can apply online here, where they will complete a secure, online application consisting of personal information and a summary of their skills and experience. All applicants must be 18 or older and must be willing to undergo a security background check, as well as attend orientation and training sessions conducted by convention organizers.

To view the PSA, go here. — Joe Kimball