TERRE HAUTE —
Local Republicans are taking Tampa by storm this week, foul weather notwithstanding.
Randy Gentry, Republican vice chairman of Indiana’s 8th Congressional District and Vigo County GOP secretary, joins a throng of thousands in Florida as the party’s national convention begins. Concerns about Tropical Storm Isaac, which appears to be moving along the Gulf of Mexico, have delayed some of today’s official opening activities, but not all, he said.
“Everything else is moving forward,” he said in a telephone interview Sunday.
The party is excited for the nominating process, which brings former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) to the top of its ticket — set to face incumbent Democrat President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden in November.
The Republican National Convention takes to Tampa some 2,286 delegates and 2,125 alternate delegates from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories, he said. In addition to voting delegates such as himself, the mass is augmented by staff and supporters.
“We anticipate between 50,000 and 70,000 will attend the convention,” he said, adding that the Indiana delegation is staying at Indian Rock Beach, about 45 minutes from Tampa.
Meeting people from across the country is part of the excitement, he said, adding this convention’s list of speakers makes for an “all-star” lineup.
“I don’t know that there’s one that I don’t want to hear,” he said, rattling off a list of names including former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and Virginia Gov. Bob McConnell. “I think it’s going to be a really productive convention.”
Meanwhile, Hoosiers are being well received there, he said, pointing out Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels is considered an “all-star” by Republicans across the country. While Daniels himself isn’t planning to attend, Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman and GOP legislatures including the 8th District U.S. Rep. Larry Bucshon were coming into town Sunday, he noted.
Tropical Storm Isaac threatens to bring between 4 and 6 inches of rain to the area, as well as strong winds. But convention organizers and security personnel have contingency plans under control, he said.
Politically, Gentry expects the convention to produce a “nice boost” in the polls for Republicans across the country, even in state and local races.
“I think we’re in a really good spot,” he said.
Brian Boyce can be reached at 812-231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.
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