Republicans revel in the party at national convention
By Edwin Folven, 8/30/2012
The heavy rains that fell in the Tampa, Florida region on Monday did not dampen the spirits of attendees to the Republican National Convention, which will culminate Thursday evening when Mitt Romney is expected to be selected as the Republican candidate for president.
Although events were cancelled Monday because of the foul weather generated in the Gulf of Mexico by Hurricane Isaac, the convention resumed Tuesday with speeches by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, and Ann Romney, among others. According to Lynn Haueter, a Republican Party delegate representing the 25th District in Santa Clarita, there has been much excitement among the thousands of people attending the convention. An early highlight was Ann Romney’s speech, as well as a surprise appearance by her husband, candidate Mitt Romney, she said.
“I think she summed it up for all of us when she talked about how much she loved this country. That’s how we all feel,” said Haueter, who is also the chair of the Republican Party of Los Angeles County. “It was so moving people were crying. Mitt came out at the end, and that was historic. It shows it’s not about him, it’s about our country.”
Haueter said there were many other speakers she was interested in hearing, including former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan, who were scheduled to speak Wednesday evening. Mitt Romney is expected to address the convention Thursday evening to accept the party’s nomination.
“I know he is definitely someone who inspires the party,” Haueter said. “I am very much looking forward to him receiving the nomination.”
Haueter said several prominent Republicans met privately with the delegation from California, including Christie and House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio). She added that delegation is made up of more than 800 people, the largest in the country.
“It’s been very exciting,” Haueter said. “There is a lot of anticipation.”
