Protest group True Blue Minnesota went to court today and got a reprieve that saves its plan – at least temporarily — to put a giant TV screen at Kellogg and John Ireland boulevards — up the hill from the Republican National Convention at Xcel Energy Center.

Earlier this week, a Capitol planning board chaired by Republican Lt. Carol Molnau voted down the group’s plan, ostensibly for safety reasons.

The True Blue group claimed the board was stifling its right to free speech because the plan was to use the television to air attacks on Republican policies.

Friday afternoon, the group said it was granted a temporary restraining order by Ramsey County Judge Kathleen Gearin preventing the Capitol board from enforcing its ruling. The judge plans to examine further evidence, including a transcript of the board meeting.

In the meantime, the group expects the Jumbotron to arrive Sunday afternoon and, barring further legal changes, plans to plug it in for Monday’s convention opening. – Joe Kimball