So the 2008 Maine Republican State Convention has come and gone. This past weekend many exciting things happened along with a few hiccups. Regardless of those later items, it was a great event designed to motivate the masses and to push our Republican agenda to the tops of every one's minds. A great speech by former GOP Presidential candidate, Gov. Mitt Romney on Friday night captured a very grateful audience and in an eloquent way, demanded unity with the party faithful. Additionally, Sen. Olympia Snowe, Sen. Susan Collins and congressional candidates, Dean Scontras and John Frary added to the patriotic and embracing atmosphere. I was very pleased, as well as extremely tired, when it was all said and done on Saturday afternoon.
The hiccups along the way that I mentioned were mainly due to a few items that got tangled in the area of the agenda. I'm sure many that went to the event and complained about the time it took for certain things to occur, generally take the volunteers in place for granted. I know what many of them were going through and I respect ALL the volunteers behind the scenes of this event a great deal. So, let's not complain about the event unless you want to volunteer at the next one.
Now, speaking of volunteers, we're going to need plenty this election cycle. The Ron Paul supporters who made it on the city and county committees and the State Committee, I truly hope they stay involved and help our local candidates. Whatever you feel about a presidential candidate can also be transferred to the local arena as well. I will venture to say that most all Republicans in the Maine Legislature are conservatives and do what ever is needed to limit the growth of government. Isn't that one of our principles of the Republican Party, to limit government?
Finally, many of you know I serve as Chairman of the Somerset County Republican Committee and I want to offer my deepest sincere congratulations to my good friend (and somewhat of a mentor), Maine GOP Chairman Mark Ellis. Mark, along with Executive Director Julie Ann O'Brien managed to have not one, but two great speakers attending this years Convention. Gov. Mitt Romney and national political commentator, Cal Thomas. Both men gave wonderful speeches that played very well to our brand of Maine Republicans. Mark and Julie have done a great job with keeping the party together in a trying time during the differences of opinions at the presidential level as well as at the local level. They have pushed hard for working closer with the Republican leadership in the Maine Legislature and you can definitely see the impact with the "McCain Unity Ticket" of national delegates. Regardless of the presidential race, Maine Republicans have to come together to battle our own issues here in Augusta. Again, I thought the convention ended with the enthusiasm that was well needed to move this party forward. I'm glad I attended and am truly glad I am a Republican in Maine.
God Bless America!
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