Although the Republican National Convention got off to a stormy start, Gainesville Republicans said the convention has been a hit.
Because of Hurricane Gustav's arrival in Louisiana and the Florida Panhandle, some speakers, including Gov. Charlie Crist, had to stay in their home states rather than head to Minnesota for the convention, which ends today.
But Republicans who watched the convention from home said they weren't disappointed.
Bryan Griffin, chairman of the UF College Republicans, said though there wasn't a huge opening ceremony on the first day, it hasn't affected the rest of the convention.
"I don't feel like it will be any less of a convention without it," Griffin said.
The convention has been attended by all three of the district's delegates: Stafford Jones, chairman of the Alachua County Republican Party; Donna Solze, state committeewoman for the Bradford County Republican Party; and Brian Graham, chairman of the Florida Federation of Young Republicans.
Speeches by Laura Bush and Fred Thompson have helped show John McCain's true character, Griffin said.
Another point of excitement that has rallied Republicans is McCain's recently announced running mate, Sarah Palin, the governor of Alaska.
Griffin said he thinks Palin will attract television viewers who would like to know more about her.
Joshua Simmons, chairman of Gators for McCain, agreed.
Simmons said he was interested in seeing the response to Palin's speech Wednesday night, which he thought could establish her as a strong leader.
Mark McShera, editorial chairman of the UF College Democrats, said the focuses of the Republican convention have differed from those of the Democratic National Convention.
"I haven't heard anything at all about the economy from the Republicans," McShera said.
Griffin said the Republicans' convention has been about character this year.
"The Republican convention has been a little more about the person," he said. "There's a person behind the politician."
