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Second Postcard from the Republican National Convention

Hello fellow Scott County Republicans,

I send you greetings from day one of the 2008 Republican National Convention in beautiful (and hot) Minneapolis.  RNC Chairman Mike Duncan from Inez dropped the gavel to start the convention around 2:40 p.m. Central Time this afternoon.  The mood of the first day of the convention was still muted as thoughts and prayers continued for those along the Gulf Coast.  In his opening remarks Mr. Duncan asked all in attendance and those watching TV and the Internet to send a text message to donate $5 toward Gulf Coast relief. 

Later in the program First Lady Laura Bush also spoke about the situation in Louisiana and Texas, introducing taped messages from the governors of Texas, Alabama, Florida and Mississippi.  Then to everyone's surprise Cindy McCain came out with Mrs. Bush to also appeal for support to the communities and citizens being affected by Hurricane Gustov.  It's great to see our party leaders show compassion and sound the call to all of us to lend a helping hand.  It also speaks well that the Republican governors of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida can all work together to lend support to those living along the coast.

The rest of day one mainly dealt with reports from the various committees for the convention.  During the time that the committees met allowed those of us on the floor to mingle with delegates from other states.  Former presidential candidate Mitt Romney came by our delegation to say hello to Trey Grayson and Kelly Knight.  Kelly, originally from Glasgow now living in Lexington was a chief fundraiser for Romney's campaign.

During our down time some of us had an opportunity to meet with delegates from Minnesota, who are seated next to us.  One person we met was the House Minority Floor Leader, Rep. Marty Seifert who offered us a tour of the Minnesota State Capital anytime day or night.  During our conversation he shared with us that the GOP in Minnesota had candidates running in 100 percent of November races for the House.  When we asked how they attained such success in attracting candidates, Rep. Seifert said they task each county party chairperson to come up with a viable candidate in their district.  If they don't come up with a candidate then the chairperson becomes the nominee!  He said that has led to success in fielding candidates but they sometimes have trouble getting people to search as chairperson in their respective county!

I also have to mention how the Kentucky delegation has an excellent location for the 2008 convention.  Our section is located to the speaker's right of the podium next to the stage.  When speakers are introduced they enter through a door on the right side of podium, walking within a few feet of our delegation.  I have to say kudos to Mike Duncan for placing Kentucky's delegates in a prime location!  If I can get pictures from my iPhone to transfer to my laptop I will send Tommy some photos to post on our Web site.

Michael Goins is an At-Large Delegate for the Kentucky delegation to the 2008 Republican National Convention.  Michael previously served in the adminstration of Governor Ernie Fletcher and currently works as Director of Public Relations for Forcht Group of Kentucky.  Michael, his wife Beth and their two daughters reside in Georgetown.