Special thanks to Chairman Lenny Curry and the State Executive Committee & Staff of RPOF for pulling off a great Convention experience.  Despite what others may say we stuck together and remained united with our eyes on November.  Now let’s go win an Election!

Tonight we heard upbeat and positive speakers like Governor Jeb Bush who spoke about educational standards & school choice and United States Senator Marco Rubio who detailed American Exceptionalism.

But tonight was Mitt Romney’s night by far.  Speakers told the crowd about Mitt’s compassion and also his business acumen.  It was plain spoken and heartful, showing a personal side to humanize himself, despite the way he’s been portrayed by the current occupant of the White House.

The most energy from the crowd came when Romney mentioned how Obama said he would slow the rising oceans and heal the planet…Mitt said “My promise is to help you and your family”– a reference to the economic struggles of everyday Americans.

I am proud of the Republican Party for keeping the message positive and focused on the economy.   Like James Carville once said “It’s the Economy stupid!” —WELL IT REALLY IS ABOUT THE ECONOMY THIS TIME!!!

I am also proud of the GOP because the Party is taking the issues directly to the Democrats– the Economy, Medicare, and high taxes.  Staying upbeat and being adult enough to talk about the issues is what your average Americans want to hear from our Leaders.  Not invective and dirty campaigning– Chicago style.

This time it really is the Economy stupid.

I have received a number of text messages and e-mails from individuals concerned about the proposed changes to the Rules of the Republican Party. Coming into the Convention, it was proposed that Rule 15 be changed to allow the Republican presidential nominee’s campaign to choose delegates as opposed to selection processes in the states. Grassroots activists were rightly concerned about the ramifications of such a move and vigorously spoke out against it. Their voices were heard, and a comprimise was reached prior to the rules vote where the change to rule 15 was struck.

I am a grassroots activist and will continue to fight for grassroots activists. Let’s look forward to the work-at-hand, making Mitt Romney the next President of the United States!

Always great to see Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater.  Here we are at the 2012 Republican National Convention.  Thank you CFO Atwater for your leadership in Florida!

Wednesday night it was Republican Women!  Condi Rice gave a thorough critique of world affairs and the need for strong foreign policy.  Then she gave her personal story at the end telling about growing up under segregation in Alabama only to later become Secretary of State.  Her best line was “Under-performing schools are the Civil Rights issue of our time!”  — That line even got me to jump up out of my chair and applaud!!

Our very own Attorney General Pam Bondi explained why onerous health care policy restricts individual choice and how she will continue to oppose legislation that is unconstitutional.  The Florida Delegates were proud!

How about New Mexico Governor Suzanna Martinez, a former Democrat.  She told the story about how she and her husband were invited once to lunch with a Republican.  After the lunch she looked at her husband and said “I’ll be damned we’re Republicans!”–crowd went wild!!!!

The first night of the Republican National Convention featured many Republican rising stars. However, it also featured a once rising star in the Democrat Party. Former Rep. Artur Davis (AL, District 7) seconded President Obama’s nomination at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, but tonight he spoke on behalf of Mitt Romney and in favor fixing a mistake made four years ago. Davis was the sole member of the Congressional Black Caucus to vote against the Affordable Care Act both times it came before the House of Representatives; this heterodoxy undoubtedly began his journey to Tampa.

Davis speech alternated between humor (things that begin with styrofoam columns and smoke don’t end well) and sincere call to make a reasoned choice to rebuild America. Make sure you listen to the whole thing.

Tallahassee’s own WTXL Channel 27 is here in Tampa. I had the opportunity to chat with Greg Angel.

Day 2, the first actual day of the 2012 Republican National Convention, saw the official nomination of Gov. Mitt Romney. Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll cast Florida’s 50 votes for the man who will be the next President of the United States. The evening featured a number of outstanding speakers, among them was Ann Romney. Mrs. Romney gave the nation personal insight into the man she married.