Massachusetts Federation of Republican Women - Fall 2004 Newsletter

Convention Notes

By Barbara McCoy

It was the time of my life! I guess that's the best way to sum up my view of the RNC held in New York this past August. I was elected to serve as an alternate delegate to my first national convention. It would be a lie to admit that I did not have some concerns about safety, but the visible police protection everywhere in NYC was reassuring.

The whole experience of Madison Square Garden and being surrounded by so many Republicans from all over the country was truly overwhelming. All of the people that we met and talked with had the same comments - "There are Republicans in Massachusetts?"; "We love your Governor"; and "What is John Kerry really like?" We got used to answering their questions and those of the ever-present press that seemed to follow us everywhere we went.

The speakers and presentations at the convention were exciting and surprising. We watched proudly as our own Governor, Mitt Romney as well as Lt. Governor Kerry Healy, addressed the convention. They were well-accepted by the crowd as they spoke about what John Kerry had NOT done for MA and praised our President. Everyone said they would be watching to see what these shining stars of our party had in their future. The rest of the country knows what we here in MA have already realized!

We were well-prepared for all of the events and goings-on by our Party Chair, Darrel Crate, and his wonderful team. I don't think that any of them slept the entire time we were in NYC. They were everywhere to assist and guide all of the delegates and guests. Much planning goes into an event and occasion like this, and their hard work and dedication to our party was evident to all. Ron Kaufman and Jody Dow had their hands full, but they were always available, as was our Lt. Governor, who is also a member of the MFRW. There were several members of the MFRW in attendance, including Chrysanthi Charlambides and Susan Slade, who were also alternate delegates.

Yes, there are many parties. The Mass. Delegation as well as our leaders were honored by a party on the Intrepid with entertainment by Joe Piscopo and a tribute to Frank Sinatra. We had the chance to be on Ambassador Eagan's yacht and to attend an elegant luncheon at the St. Regis Hotel in honor of the Governor. There were many other invitations. We tried to take them all in, but there were not enough hours in the day. I did manage a visit to Ground Zero and a few other NY landmarks to see what had changed.

The highlight of the convention was the final evening when our President George W. Bush spoke. As he walked onto the special stage, which had been painted blue with the Presidential seal on it, I had chills. This man, the leader of the most powerful nation on earth, was there to address the world and talk about the future of our country. I felt humbled—and honored—to be a part of the history of our great country.