By Ryan Krieghauser, Colorado Delegate

The Palin speech was a historic event, particularly for women. For this reason, I turned over my delegate badge to my wife so she could be on the floor for this momentous speech. Similarly, I asked her to write this blog entry as well:

Knowing that I am thrilled about Sarah Palin, Ryan gave me his delegate pass so that I was able to watch her historic speech. For the Republican women at the convention, there has been a lot of anticipation for the speech that was going to introduce us to our next Vice President. Sarah did not disappoint. She did a fantastic job! Palin was strong and smart - hitting the issues with the no-nonsense attitude of a mother.

I was sitting in a row of professional women in their twenties. When Sarah Palin walked onto the stage, the feeling was electric. Here was a tough woman who had worked hard against all of the typical roadblocks we face everyday: from how to balance family and professional goals to what to wear to be ourselves and still look professional. For woman across the country, Sarah is a role model of what we are striving to accomplish. As I was standing on a chair with my “Palin Power” sign, I knew that this was one of the best moments in my life. By the time Sarah’s speech was over and I was able to check my cell, I had 19 text messages from girlfriends who were thrilled that we had a candidate who really represented us. Even guys, who had not been sure that Palin was up for the job, were convinced that she would be a strong Vice President.

By Jennifer Nassour, Massachusetts Delegate

One word: SARAH!!!!!!!!!! How fantastic was she??? The energy in the Convention Center was absolutely amazing. She received a standing ovation that lasted about 5 minutes and wowed the crowd from the moment she began to speak. Sarah Palin made some great remarks (not sure if they were covered on the news stations)…one of which was that the “difference between a hockey mom and a bulldog is lipstick” and another somewhere along the line of change is not a destination just as hope is not a strategy. She was amazing! She acknowledged that her family, like all of ours, is normal and not perfect. She was honest, confident, eloquent, BOLD and BRAVE! Hopefully, all of you watching on TV felt the same power that we all did in the Xcel Center.

Now, to be honest, last night listening to Rudy I thought I was going to begin with him. He was remarkable! Our delegation was holding on to his every word. Unfortunately, he missed the boat as a Presidential candidate, but he definitely still has it. Rudy is a true leader. He got the crowd ready by simply motivating the hell out of them with his words. I always have and always will think Rudy Guiliani is one of the most incredible politicians out there.

After the Convention, a few of us went across the street to a reception for McCain Friends and Family. Actor Jon Voight spoke to the crowd of a few hundred. We also had the pleasure of meeting and taking pictures with Former Maryland Lt. Governor Michael Steele (Chair of GOPAC). He was so nice and wonderful to speak with! Overall, it was a good day for Republicans out here in Minnesota (and hopefully everywhere)!

THURSDAY:
This morning was another fun filled morning. It began with a breakfast, at our hotel, with Governors Carcieri (R.I.) and Douglas (VT). They spoke to us about the challenges Republican Governors, in low Republican enrollment states (like MA) face. They also both expressed how much they enjoyed having Governors Weld, Cellucci, Swift and Romney as neighboring Governors….of course, they are hoping that we can once again elect another Republican Governor in MA!

After the breakfast, I headed over to a McCain for Women Luncheon honoring Cindy McCain. There must have been about 2,000 people enjoying lunch, followed by remarks from Todd Palin (he is very funny…) and Cindy McCain.

Cindy McCain, was radiant, as usual. She is a wonderful speaker and a fantastic woman who wants just help women and children in need. She said that her husband told her she would never have to give a speech, but here she is! She said when the journey to the Presidency first began 18 months ago, she lost both of her parents and suffered a stroke. Cindy McCain seems to be just like us, a good mom, wife, and working woman….

Now, for the absolute highlight of my day so far (still need to get to the Convention)….I had the chance to talk with and take a photo with Former U.S. Senator Alfonse D’Amato! So incredibly exciting! As I think I mentioned on Day #1, he is one of my hero’s! I love the guy! He was a U.S. Senator when I began my interest and quest to be politically active and he was a Professor of mine in Graduate School at C.W. Post University. The man is wonderful…he even remembered me (so he said, but I don’t care, I’ll go with him remembering me)!

I am off to the Convention for what promises to be a GREAT night!

By Jennifer Nassour

Yesterday (Tuesday) was a very long day. The day began with a breakfast honoring Mitt Romney, who gave a wonderfully motivating speech to the crowd. It was a nice way to begin the long day.

The next stop of the day was in Minneapolis at the Aviators for McCain event. The event was jammed with people (most of who were in the 20-40 year old age group)! Senator Lindsey Graham and Megan McCain both spoke at the event. I was able to be up close to the duo as they gave their speeches and even received some personal attention from the Senator (I think it was mistaken identity, but he is possibly the nicest politician).

On to St. Paul to the Republican Majority for Choice’s Big Tent Celebration, hosted at an unbelievable mansion!!! The home was absolutely stunning, the food was fantastic and the views were priceless. Former Governor Jane Swift was an honored guest and speaker, as was actress Rosario Dawson (I got a picture with her!!!) Rosario gladly took pictures with myself and State Senator Bob Hedlund and spent a few minutes talking to us about the voter registration drive she was there to promote. Finally, it was time for the Convention….

At the Convention, a good friend of mine was kind enough to help get me into a suite. It was a great way to watch the Convention program. Once again, First Lady Laura Bush was on the platform and again looked dynamite! Everyone commented on how fantastic she is — she is just so poised , eloquent and gorgeous!!! Since President Bush was unable to attend the Convention, there was a video of a speech that he taped. He was funny and motivating to the crowd! Very sweetly, he also acknowledged his parents (who were in the audience) and said how much he loved them (awwwww….). There was also a nice tribute to Senator McCain, showcasing his background and explaining how his maverick roots.

U.S. Senator Fred Thompson was one of the keynote speakers. He spoke about the torture and suffering Senator McCain faced while a POW. He explained how he was beaten down time and time again, yet, Senator McCain NEVER, EVER gave up! Senator Thompson also did a great job of energizing the crowd and explaining the reasons that we all need the McCain/Palin ticket. Everyone is in agreement here that Senator McCain picked a wonderful running mate and in choosing her, he once again proved that he is his own man…a maverick!

U.S. Senator Joe Leiberman also spoke, and although he was very good, he was actually addressing a different group of voters than those at the Convention…he was trying to reach the undecided and Independents that just aren’t sure which way they want to go. It was a very cool approach!

Following the Convention, we headed to a party hosted by Megan McCain (John and Cindy’s daughter), who looks like her mothers clone! She is stunning and very sweet. The party was a release of her new book: My Dad, John McCain. The book flew off of the tables! As a matter of fact, one of the books I put aside for my children was actually taken off of the table I was standing at!!!! Good for her, hopefully the book is a hit!

Now, for the coolest person at the party…(which began at 10PM)…John McCain’s 96 year-old mother! She was at the party until nearly 12:30AM. Everyone should take a minutes and check out this lady, at 96 she looks remarkable and can carry on a conversation about anything, with anyone! We all found it fantastic that she was ready, willing and able to stay out with all of the “young” people!

Today we (including State Rep’s deMacedo, Polito, Perry, Barrows, Jones, Webster, Poirier) stuffed relief kits for victims of the hurricane….it was a nice gesture by State Party GOP Chair Peter Torkildsen to help our friends in the South. We are now off to events being hosted for the MA delegation by Former Lt. Governor Kerry Healey and another by Governor Mitt Romney…then to the Convention to wait for Sarah Palin — I CANNOT WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Matt Knoedler, Colorado delegate

Republican Delegates joined the rest of the country in a huge sigh of relief after it seems that the impact of Hurrican Gustav was much less destructive than anticipated. I honestly didn’t think that we would reconvene the convention until Wednesday or Thursday, if at all. But tonight the convention will go on as planned.

Coming from the Denver area, I observed the preparations for the DNC, and I knew that these conventions can’t exactly stop on a dime. The Convention, the various late-night party hosts, and even the delegates have contractual obligations that cannot be bent, amended or canceled. For instance, if I had canceled any portion of my trip because of an abbreviated RNC schedule, I would still be required to pay for five nights at my hotel.

So, the parties went on. They were somewhat subdued, and they were all converted in to fundraisers for Hurricane Gustav. I somehow managed tickets to three of the bigger ones: Convention USA (with the Beach Boys), the Warehouse Party, and the Friends of New Orleans Party. The first two were interesting in terms of people watching: Bill O’Reilly introduced the Beach Boys, for instance. I guessed both were largely attended by Congressional Staffers (it takes a former one to know one), and now as a boring family man, I didn’t really relate anymore.

The third party was worth noting given the circumstances. The Friends of New Orleans party featured a native New Orleans blues band which was absolutely fantastic. They were visibly concerned about Hurricane Gustav and sang some especially moving songs about their hometown. My understanding is that the proceeds of that Party were intended to help Katrina recovery efforts, even before Gustav happened, so it felt like the exact right place to be last night. I couldn’t help but think, “Would we ever have music that good if we didn’t have New Orleans?”

There you have it. I’ve now broken the official Delegate pledge: “What Happens in Minneapolis stays in Minneapolis. OR St. Paul.” I still can’t tell which of the “Twins” I’m in at any given point in time.

By Corrie Kangas, Kansas delegate

Unlike most other conventions, the feeling on the opening day of the 2008 GOP convention was somewhat reserved. The thoughts and prayers of 46,000 delegates, alternates, guests, and media personnel were focused on the Gulf coast, as our fellow Americans endured Hurricane Gustav. Everyone at the convention was urged to contribute to the hurricane effort by text messaging while they were right there on the floor.

In fact, many of the events for the Kansas delegation were shortened or canceled. There is a consensus among all of the delegates that I have spoken to that this was the right thing to do. However, the protesters at the convention were not as respectful. There were widespread rumors of attacks on buses and police cars. While walking out of the convention session, a few other delegates and I walked behind a police line of numerous officers. Other than that, the protesters that I personally observed merely consisted of not more than a dozen folks.

I encourage everyone to contribute to the hurricane effort by logging on to http://www.causegreater.com/ to find out what you can do to help. This is a great way for all of us to put our country first.

By Matt Knoedler, Colorado delegate

First, thanks to Fox News for letting me share my delegate experience with you. I’m on the plane to Minneapolis seated next to a fabulously haughty and obnoxious British couple, and can’t help but celebrate America’s Independence.

Unfortunately, there’s not much else to celebrate. This Hurricane Gustav sounds absolutely horrible, and I hope that the GOP will find some way that we can help the recovery effort. To those of you in the path, you’ve got my thoughts, prayers, and whatever else I can do.

One other quick note: Gov. Sarah Palin= Awesome VP. I’m thrilled with Senator McCain’s choice. I think one of the few delegates from Colorado that was hoping for someone “outside the box,” and we got exactly that. I used to work for a Congressman and encountered Alaska’s “good ol’ boys” more than I would like. She took them on with the message of reform, and, incredibly, won. Imagine what she’ll do as President of the Senate.

By Steve Fair, Oklahoma delegate

Debbie and I arrived in Minneapolis-St. Paul around 3pm this afternoon. Northwest was on time and while the Twin Cities airport is not the most user friendly in the country, it’s not the worst either.

We arrived at the Four Points Sheraton around 4pm. Ironically Gary Jones, the GOP State Party Chair was unloading luggage for some of the interns helping out as we drove up. We checked in and then changed clothes and then Debbie and I headed to Bethlehem Baptist Church. John Piper is the pastor. He is a very well known Christian writer and pastor. I had researched when he would be preaching this weekend and 5:30pm Saturday was the only time. We made it just in time- thanks to my Magellan GPS. The music was a little too contemporary for an old man, but the message was outstanding. Piper’s subject was “Spiritual Wisdom.”

His text was Philippians 2:4 which says LET EACH OF YOU LOOK OUT NOT ONLY FOR HIS OWN INTERESTS, BUT ALSO FOR THE INTEREST OF OTHERS. Here are some notes I jotted down from the message.

1.  Wisdom is the ability of of the soul to discern God glorifying, Christ exalting, Gospel spreading, and People serving ways to live with the knowledge we have.

2.  Until you are stunned by the grace of God, you will go through life with a sense of entitlement.

3.  Humility is the opposite of entitlement.

4.  Philippians 2:4 should be the Charter of a Christian’s life.

5.  Republicans & Democrats will all bow their knee to the King of Kings.

Piper is leaving tomorrow to travel to England to preach a four day series on the book of Ruth. The thousand plus crowd reflected a diversity of races and cultural backgrounds. Debbie and I introduced ourselves to Dr. Piper and congratulated him on his newest grandson. After a trip to the church bookstore which cost me close to a $100, we headed out to eat.

We have several receptions and meetings tomorrow. Getting to bed early so we can rest up for the rest of the week.

Gregg Harper, Mississippi Delegate

On behalf of the Mississippi delegation, let me say that we are all very concerned about the safety and well-being of the citizens of our state. I will remain in Mississippi and my staff and I will be in close contact with Mississippi’s elected officials and community leaders to be sure that all pertinent resources and assistance are available to the areas affected by Hurricane Gustav.

By Michael Cravens, Mississippi Delegate

We know that while the convention is extremely important to our nation there is nothing more important than the safety of the people of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana who may be affected by the storm.