World: With Palin, GOP Convention Buzzes
By Jim Myers/Washington Bureau, Tulsa World, In St. Paul ~ Oklahoma Republicans continued to arrive Saturday for their national convention still energized over John McCain’s historic selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate.
“Republicans I am listening to are just absolutely ecstatic,’’ said Jerry Buchanan, a former Tulsa County Republican chairman.
“They are excited because the Republicans are doing something a little different this time.’’
Buchanan predicted that the Palin pick would unite the party as the grass roots learn more about the Alaska governor and join the enthusiastic response.
Other Oklahomans agreed.
Don Burdick of Tulsa, the 1st District’s vice chairman, said he and his wife saw that firsthand when they crossed the Mississippi River to visit the local Republican headquarters in Hudson, Wis.
“They were excited about the pick,’’ Burdick said.
“We got to the point that there were about 20 of us having a celebration.’’
State Rep. Pam Peterson of Tulsa believes the excitement of the McCain-Palin ticket is already building.“I was just thrilled,’’ Peterson said. "She is going to help energize our base, which we desperately need at this time.’’
Bobby Cleveland of Slaughterville said he believed that the GOP ticket will send the right kind of message: “It shows that our party is not just a bunch of elitists.”
Grace Hickman of Bartlesville said Palin complements McCain well.
David Holt, an alternate delegate from Oklahoma City, said it was difficult now to talk about the convention without talking about Palin.
He said McCain’s announcement Friday kicked up the excitement.
“She will be a fresh face for many,’’ he said, adding that Palin’s appearance at the convention will be the first time a number of Oklahoma delegates will see her in person.
Burdick said he hoped that the makeup of both parties’ tickets will encourage even more people to get involved and compare the candidates’ policies.
Frazier Henke, the vice chairman of the Tulsa County Republican Party, said the convention would offer an opportunity to contrast the differences between McCain, an Arizona senator, and the Democratic presidential nominee, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama.
“It’s clear that Sen. Obama’s plans for the future of this country are sketchy and ambiguous at best,” Henke said. “This is our chance for Sen. McCain to take the stage and outline his plans for prosperity and success for our nation.”
Oklahomans will have an unusually high-profile role at the convention.
Each night of the four day convention will have a speech by an Oklahoman, starting with U.S. Rep. Tom Cole on Monday. U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn will give an address Tuesday, followed by Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett on Wednesday and U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin on Thursday.
“That will be a highlight for us,’’ Holt said of the appearances. Oklahoma has 41 delegates and 38 alternates to the convention.
State Republican Chairman Gary Jones said, “We look forward to representing the Sooner State and exploring the Twin Cities with some great Oklahoma Republicans.’’
“Republicans I am listening to are just absolutely ecstatic,’’ said Jerry Buchanan, a former Tulsa County Republican chairman.
“They are excited because the Republicans are doing something a little different this time.’’
Buchanan predicted that the Palin pick would unite the party as the grass roots learn more about the Alaska governor and join the enthusiastic response.
Other Oklahomans agreed.
Don Burdick of Tulsa, the 1st District’s vice chairman, said he and his wife saw that firsthand when they crossed the Mississippi River to visit the local Republican headquarters in Hudson, Wis.
“They were excited about the pick,’’ Burdick said.
“We got to the point that there were about 20 of us having a celebration.’’
State Rep. Pam Peterson of Tulsa believes the excitement of the McCain-Palin ticket is already building.“I was just thrilled,’’ Peterson said. "She is going to help energize our base, which we desperately need at this time.’’
Bobby Cleveland of Slaughterville said he believed that the GOP ticket will send the right kind of message: “It shows that our party is not just a bunch of elitists.”
Grace Hickman of Bartlesville said Palin complements McCain well.
David Holt, an alternate delegate from Oklahoma City, said it was difficult now to talk about the convention without talking about Palin.
He said McCain’s announcement Friday kicked up the excitement.
“She will be a fresh face for many,’’ he said, adding that Palin’s appearance at the convention will be the first time a number of Oklahoma delegates will see her in person.
Burdick said he hoped that the makeup of both parties’ tickets will encourage even more people to get involved and compare the candidates’ policies.
Frazier Henke, the vice chairman of the Tulsa County Republican Party, said the convention would offer an opportunity to contrast the differences between McCain, an Arizona senator, and the Democratic presidential nominee, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama.
“It’s clear that Sen. Obama’s plans for the future of this country are sketchy and ambiguous at best,” Henke said. “This is our chance for Sen. McCain to take the stage and outline his plans for prosperity and success for our nation.”
Oklahomans will have an unusually high-profile role at the convention.
Each night of the four day convention will have a speech by an Oklahoman, starting with U.S. Rep. Tom Cole on Monday. U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn will give an address Tuesday, followed by Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett on Wednesday and U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin on Thursday.
“That will be a highlight for us,’’ Holt said of the appearances. Oklahoma has 41 delegates and 38 alternates to the convention.
State Republican Chairman Gary Jones said, “We look forward to representing the Sooner State and exploring the Twin Cities with some great Oklahoma Republicans.’’
Labels: John McCain, Oklahoma Delegates, Republican National Convention, Sarah Palin
posted by Mike McCarville @ 1:34 PM
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