Yantis Green 

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Texas Breakfast

6:30  to 10 pm Session IV

Speakers

John McCain, Gov. Charlie Crist, Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Senator Sam Brownback, Senator Lindsey Graham, Senator Mel Martinez, Texas Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams and others.

Thursday, September 4, 2008
    

     The Texas Delegation shone Tuesday night in brigh red shirts and cowboy hats.

      I knew from watching past conventions on TV that the Texas Delegation was highly visible, but until I got to St. Paul and saw the delegation in action, I really didn't know just how big a role Texas plays.  Not only did the cameras and reporters swarm the delegation, but most of the other states looked to us and followed our lead constantly.

     Former Sen. Fred Thompson fired up the packed Xcel Center with a speech on the history of John McCain.  He was followed by independent Sen. Joe Lieberman, who also made an impassioned plea for McCain. 

     But they weren't the only ones speaking.  Tuesday night was filled with representatives from the host state of Minnesota, along with folks from Arizona and Alaska, the presumptive nominees' home states.

      Texas delegates whooped and hollered while former President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush took their places in the presidential box.  The crowd honored Cindy McCain and her children who were in attendance last night as well.  I don't know what was aired on TV, but there were video presentations from President Bush and some honoring several Medal of Honor recipients in attendance, along with about two dozen POW's who served with McCain. 

     The Tuesday night session felt like the convention was back on track and we were on message.  There was an electricity in the center that's hard to describe.

     I met a couple from Wyoming earlier in the day who wanted to attend the Texas Honky Tonk reception.  The event conflicted with my obligation on the convention floor, so I gave them my passes. 

     It was quite remarkable that in a sea of 50,000 people streaming out of the center following the last speech of the night, that the same couple found me and gave me some Texas pins and buttons they picked up at the event. 

     I've met lots of great people from across the country and that's just one example.  While I'm writing this on Wednesday morning, former Texas Secretary of State Roger Williams is dong a TV interview in the hotel lobby about 10 feet from me, typical of the environment here.

     The cast and crew from Fox News is staying in the same hotel, and we run into many of them on a regular basis.  We also mill around with senators, congressmen and other recognizable people you normally only see on TV. 

     Wednesday morning's breakfast set the tone for the Texas delegation.  Texas First Lady Anita Perry updated us on the hurricane relief efforts.  U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison sat at the table next to me.  In her keynote speech, she said the Republican Party will provide the leadership in Washington to increase the supply of energy and bring costs down, to stand for traditional family values, and to support the mission and the troops who are defending our country. 

     I got to the breakfast early and was joined by U.S. Rep. Mike Conaway, his wife Suzanne, and his staff.  Our Congressman is very popular with the leadership. 

      At the end of the breakfast, I got to speak with Texas Railroad Commissioner Elizabeth Ames-Jones.  She is scheduled to speak this month in San Angelo.  I told her that Concho Valley Republican Women President Anita Betty is looking forward to her return visit to San Angelo.  Ames-Jones said she loves our city and enjoys visiting. 

     I also met Richard B. Ponder, Texas state government affairs director for Johnson & Johnson Co., the parent company of San Angelo's Ethicon.  Because I was sitting with Congressman Conaway, I got to introduce him to Mr. Ponder.  Ponder said J&J  is very proud of Ethicon and San Angelo and he really likes the city.

     It occurred to me Tuesday night that this is such a great opportunity and an obligation for delegates and alternates.  we're not only witnessing history, but for just a little while, we are making it.  It's a humbling feeling.