Republican National Convention
Living the Dream, Days 1 & 2
By Lyn Bliss 

Have you seen pictures of teenage girls when they are excited – where they jump up and down and scream?? Driving to the Columbus Airport, I thought to myself, “If I was a teenage girl, I would be jumping up and down while screaming!!”

 We had checked the flight schedules and all was “on-time” at the moment of departing Greenville. When Jean and I actually arrived at the airport, that was the first thing we checked – we were fearful that our flight would be impacted by Isaac the Hurricane. It was still on-time. But, shortly after that, a flight to Fort Meyers was cancelled. That was the start of about 45 minutes of worry that the flight to Tampa would also be cancelled due to weather. 

As we waited, the passenger group grew to include a whole lot of Ohio convention goers. We all had some good political chatter while waiting. 

What a relief it was when the attendant picked up the microphone to call flight 1651; and what an attention getter it was when he said, “Taking Back America with flight 1651 to Tampa is now boarding.” There were LOTS of cheers in the waiting area!! 

Our flight was uneventful and even arrived early. Baggage collected with none gone missing. Very short shuttle ride to the hotel – and was gorgeous! We had a great two bedroom suite with patio – and lots of closet space. 

We just barely had time to unpack and change clothes before the text message came in telling us we needed to be on the buses to the dinner party given by Speaker John Boehner. The event was held in St. Petersburg. We had a nice bus ride and saw our first protester. As the buses drove across the long bridges, there were police cars about every quarter mile. We later found out this was to keep the bridges safe from terrorist activity – as there are only three bridges to/from the island. 

Speaker Boehner circulated through the huge crowd attending. It looked like all of the Ohio contingent was there. 

In spite of Jean’s alarm not going off the next morning, we were dressed and at breakfast by 9 a.m. – and were just lucky enough to get front row seats. We were given an updated schedule and told the changes that were expected due to the storm. 

Great speakers!! Ohio Republican Party Chairman Bob Bennett, Senator Rob Portman, Congressman Pat Tieberi, Ari Fleischer, and Josh Romney (Mitt and Ann’s son). 

We then had a break and reconvened at 12:45 p.m. where Chairman Bennett introduced Bob McEwen who spoke briefly and then introduced Speaker Newt Gingrich.  Gingrich gave a great presentation regarding winning elections by clearly communicating the message. After Gingrich spoke, Scott Jennings, Director of the Ohio Romney Campaign, spoke.  And THEN, the tornado sirens went off. We were told by conference center staff that we were in the safest location in the facility.  So, we had a little longer to discuss the Romney Campaign strategy. 

During the proceedings a text came in that Jo Ann Davidson and Betty Montgomery were hosting a reception for graduates of the Jo Ann Davidson Ohio Leadership Institute between the close of the afternoon meetings and the beginning of the evening gathering. 

A short meeting of the Delegates and Alternate Delegates was held where the various issues of the Convention were discussed and clarification was made regarding activities for the remainder of the day. 

We were back to the room for a little rest. Then I went to the Jo Ann Davidson reception. There were about 30 Institute graduates in attendance. 

Then, it was to the conference center for the evening reception. There was a tropical theme and great 50s-60s-70s music. Lots of food and a full house. Speakers for the evening were Chairman Bennett, Senator Keith Faber, House Speaker Bill Batchelder, and Governor John Kasich. There was lots of dancing and political conversations as the group awaited the 10 p.m. arrival of Texas Governor Rick Perry. 

Perry was a dynamic speaker and had the audience clapping and cheering… before he finished, there were a few damp eyes. Perry’s message was that Ohio will be most important and we must make sure to get the job done in electing Romney. 

Breakfast is at 9 a.m. and the buses leave for the Tampa Bay Times Forum at noon tomorrow. The Ohio Delegation will be seated directly in front of the main stage with only Wisconsin in front of it. Ohio’s alternate delegation will be seated in Section 114. I’ll be in Row C, seat 13. It is now midnight and time to get some sleep in preparation for the real deal tomorrow!!