Despite few hours of sleep, in part because of some mix-ups with the buses returning to the delegations northern Tampa-area resort, Florida delegates say the storm-shortened convention is off to a raucous start.
Im really impressed with the depth of talent on display and the gender balance with the lady governors, said delegate and Lee County Republican Party Chairman Gary Lee, taking part in the Wednesday morning Fresh From Florida breakfast at the Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club.
Youll see more tonight with Paul Ryan.
Rep. Ryan, R-Wisc., the partys vice presidential nominee, will headline the Wednesday night show.
Tuesday night was highlighted by Ann Romneys personal address about her husband Mitt Romney, who a few hours earlier was nominated as the partys presidential candidate, and the straightforward styling of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.
I thought he was fairly even-tempered, maybe even conservative, but he had some good things to say, said Cherie Billings, delegate and chair of the Republican Party of Nassau County.
Delegates, on the noisy convention floor following the roll call vote, were also treated to remarks from numerous candidates and appearances by elected officials including Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., Ohio Gov. John Kasich, Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval, South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, and Luce Vela Fortu, the first lady of Puerto Rico.
A guest at the breakfast, Guy Jordan, government relations director for Pfizer, Inc., in Tallahassee, gave high marks to the prior nights two primetime speakers, Romney and Christie.
I thought she was really good, Jordan said of Ann Romney. She had the connection with the real mom and wife. I think it helped people understand that she has done the same things as every other mom, whether youre from a wealthy family or not, if you had the five kids screaming in the house, it was a good connection.
As for Christie, He has that ability to connect with people, lets be real, lets face it, dont beat around the bush.
Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 215-9889.
