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Reince
Priebus
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Republican National Convention
Living the Dream, Day 4
By Lyn Bliss
Day four—my, the time is flying!! The alarm went off way too
early! But, I think I better get used to it – we are estimated to
be back to the hotel around 2 a.m.
The Ohio delegation started out the morning breakfast being treated to
a whole new side of state auditor Dave Yost. After welcoming us, he led
us in America the Beautiful… while providing accompaniment on a baby
grand piano. WOW, is he GOOD!! After that, he gave a rousing speech
about conservative Republican ideas and beliefs and how they affect
life in Ohio and America.
Condoleezza Rice led off the mornings’ speakers, followed shortly by
Andrea Tantaros from Fox News’ “The Five”. She gave us, what else, but
“The Five” thoughts about the upcoming election. Great speaker!
National Republican Chairman Reince Priebus was running a little late.
The Ohio delegation asked Dave to provide a little more entertainment.
He obliged with a song he announced as being dedicated to Joe Biden --
“Desperado”. It was not what was expected – but had some humorously
altered lyrics.
Priebus told us about why Ohio is important in the upcoming
presidential race and more about the Romney/Ryan ticket.
Tag Romney was the final speaker for the morning. Tag is the oldest
Romney son and is now the father of five sons and a daughter himself.
Tag Romney was a great representative for his father. He told some
stories about how Mitt was as a Father… examples of how he was involved
and taught good lessons. How waste drives his father crazy. Tag
said his Father believes, and taught his children, that the three
things that are important to pass on to his children are family values,
integrity and patriotism. With integrity and hard work, great
things can be accomplished.
Tag also talked about his Father’s decision to run. He told about the
family gathering beforehand and voting both times. The first run was
unanimous. The second run was with a vote of three “for” and the rest
against (of kids and grandkids). Tag said his mother was the one
who swayed the decision – asking Mitt if he thought he could fix the
United States. When Mitt answered in the affirmative, then she told him
he must run, it was his patriotic duty.
We were able to have some time to rest and relax before leaving for the
Tampa Forum and the Wednesday session. The trip went like clockwork and
we had an easy trip, again being let off at the gate and walking right
in.
When we arrived, there was enough time that the Romney store was
visited – with a goodly stock of “supplies” being purchased! Then
another OFRW member and I walked up to the NFRW Sky-box.
The theme for Wednesday’s session was, “We Can Change It.” There was a
star-studded lineup of people making “remarks”… Rand Paul (Senator from
Kentucky), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (Washington State Congresswoman),
Jeanine McDonnell (Iraq War Veteran), Chris Devon Young
(Para-Olympian), John McCain (Arizona Senator and former Republican
candidate for U.S. President), Pam Bondi (Florida’s Attorney General),
Sam Olens (Georgia’s Attorney General), John Thune (Senator from South
Dakota), Rob Portman (Senator from Ohio), Luis Fortuno (governor from
Puerto Rico), Tim Pawlenty (former governor of Minnesota), Mike
Huckabee (former governor of Arkansas), Condoleezza Rice (former U. S.
Secretary of State), Susana Martinez (governor of New Mexico),
and Paul Ryan (nominee for Republican Vice-presidential candidate).
There were also video interviews of many small business owners. An
outstanding, most entertaining and enjoyable video presentation by the
Bush families was shown.
President of Ohio Federation of Republican Women Jean Turner gave me
her delegate credentials and I went down to the floor partway through
the evening. Unfortunately for her and fortunately for me, the fire
marshals shut down the floor and refused to allow any traffic to enter
the floor area. As a result, Paul Ryan’s speech was heard and observed
from a seat directly in front of the podium, eight rows from the front!
What a true thrill! Paul brought his family out at the end of the
evening.
After the session closed, a group of us took a walk trying to find
where we were supposed to go to board the cruise ship for the
Kasich/Taylor hosted harbor cruise. After a couple of wrong turns, we
finally found our way and ended up having to crawl over concrete
traffic barricades to get out the gate in the security perimeter (this
was quite a challenge for some in skirts and dresses). The Governor and
Lt. Governor hosted a dinner reception on board, after which the guests
could remain onboard for the cruise or return to their lodging. The
ship was three decks high – with buffet tables and entertainment on
each. An added attraction was a cigar salon, where cigars were being
custom rolled for attendees.
At 2 a.m., we started our trip home, which was accomplished without any
miss-steps! But, bedtime was way too late and the alarm went off way
too early this morning.
Today is our last day… it just does not seem possible! But, I guess
that is nothing different than what I’ve been thinking since I found
out I was going to be attending the Convention, “It does not seem
possible!”
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