Cleveland's GOP delegates like VP choice

David Davis, Community Editor, Cleveland Daily Banner
Septempber 3, 2008

Tom Costello jumped at the chance to attend the Republican National Convention when he was asked to accompany 22nd District State Rep. Eric Watson.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," he said in a phone interview from Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minn. "It's exciting, there are a lot of things going on and it is an exciting time for the Republican Party."

The Cleveland police officer believes vice president nominee Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin will generate enthusiasm among Republicans and attract independent voters who supported Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., who lost the Democratic nomination to Illinois Sen. Barack Obama.

"I believe the women's vote will decide this election."

Though the convention is exciting, Costello said, "I miss Cleveland and still wear my Tennessee colors."

Another Cleveland resident, Eric Ratcliff, is the alternate for Emily Beaty, who was elected as a delegate for former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.

He said he is looking forward to the tons of speeches and knowing more about vice president nominee Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

"I think she is going to be a good pick," he said. "I think it has rallied the conservative base."

He said the announcement of Palin's 17-year-old daughter being pregnant does not bother him.

"I think they are doing the right thing as far as having the baby," Ratcliff said. "It's not at all a reflection on her leadership abilities."

He said he appreciated Democratic nominee Sen. Barack Obama for his hands-off approach toward the Palin family.

Watson said he too has been enjoying the Republican convention as an at-large delegate with Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, State Rep. Jason Mumpower and State Sen. Mark Norris.

This is Watson's first national convention. While he also felt excitement among Republicans growing and favored McCain's pick for a running mate in November, he said he was encouraged by the leadership exhibited by McCain for focusing on the Gulf Coast and Hurricane Gustav instead of celebrating.

"It is incredible to see everyone offering prayers and contributions to those affected by Hurricane Gustav," he said.

"Focusing on the Gulf Coast instead of convention parties shows me McCain is more concerned about the American people than he is about politics as usual."

Ratcliff said everyone agreed down-sizing the convention on Monday was the right thing to do.

"I'm thankful Hurricane Gustave wasn't any worse than it was," he said.

However, Watson expressed disgust at witnessing bricks thrown at the bus transporting Georgia delegates to the convention.

According to the Associated Press, violence erupted Monday following a largely peaceful anti-war march by about 10,000 people.

Afterward, police blamed a splinter group of about 200 for harassing delegates, smashing windows, puncturing car tires, throwing bottles and starting at least one fire.

The Republican National Convention Welcoming Committee, a self-described anarchist group that has worked for months planning convention disruptions, claimed success in e-mails to its members and media.

That group wasn't officially connected with the organizers of either march.

"It's sad," Watson said. "Instead of being up here protesting, they should be helping in Louisiana."

Watson will attend party platform, rules and nominating committee meetings throughout the week.

There will also be meetings with former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson, and Congressman Zach Wamp.