TAMPA — Local officials share convention commentary and photos from the Republican National Convention being held at the Tampa Bay Times Forum Aug. 28-30.
Link to photo gallery: http://ind.gmnews.com/image/tid/676
Toni Angelini, Matawan councilwoman and NJ delegate
Aug. 31
“It was an absolute privilege to feel the energetic crowd last night warmly receive Gov. Romney as he accepted the nomination for the presidency. The excitement in the room was palpable as he spoke of unity, nationalism and restoring America’s economy.
“It has become abundantly clear this week that the Romney/Ryan administration won’t duck the serious issues facing this country. They will take responsibility for the direction of America.”
Aug. 30
“What a thrill it was to witness Congressman Paul Ryan deliver a youthful, energetic acceptance speech last night. He proved himself to be a leader with real solutions to the problems America is facing. He possesses detailed knowledge of the federal budget that unfortunately has ballooned with debt and experienced an unprecedented credit rating downgrade.
“Tonight we will experience the culmination of a week of Republican leadership and a new direction for America. Gov. Romney is a proven leader, with the experience and knowledge to restore America’s promise. I am anxiously awaiting to hear what Gov. Romney sees as the path for a positive future for our great nation.”
Sen. Jennifer Beck (R-11th District), NJ Delegate
Aug. 29
“I was so proud to listen to our governor address the nation. Tonight’s speech was exactly what we needed to energize our party as we prepare for the fall. As always, the governor pulled no punches in discussing the grim reality facing our nation. Gov. Christie has always told it like it is, and tonight was no different. The country is in bad shape, just like New Jersey was when he took the reigns.
“The governor knows about making the hard decisions for the greater good. He knows about putting coalitions together, bi-partisan groups of like-minded leaders who can put party differences aside and work for the good of the people.”
Matawan Councilwoman Toni Angelini
Aug. 29
“Last night, I had the honor of witnessing Gov. Chris Christie give a riveting and inspirational speech that proved once again why he is one the Republican Party’s most effective leaders and spokesmen. The nation saw someone who is able to inspire both Republicans and Democrats to expect better from their elected officials.
“Tonight we will hear from Congressman Paul Ryan who was chosen because we all know that jobs and the economy are the number-one issues to voters and Paul Ryan understands not only the need for pro-growth economic policies, but that massive debt is a drag on job creation. He brings energy and ideas of how to reform spending and bring about a balanced budget. I look forward to hearing his plan for our future.”
“As a New Jerseyan and a Republican, I am anxiously awaiting Gov. Chris Christie’s keynote with both pride and excitement. To see my governor in such a coveted and prominent role at the 2012 Republican National Convention is an amazing honor.
“Both New Jersey and its Republican Party have made a lot of progress in the past three years and we have Gov. Christie’s dynamic and forthright leadership to thank for it. I look forward to shining a positive spotlight on our great state tonight.”
Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon (R-13th)
Aug. 29
“Gov. Christie addressed the Republican National Convention tonight with all the honesty, candor and passion that we’ve come to expect in New Jersey. These are hard times and we need someone leading our nation who is capable of making the hard choices. New Jersey is lucky to have a leader in Chris Christie who isn’t afraid to say no. He isn’t afraid to make the hard cuts and difficult decisions.
Gov. Christie knows that when times are tough you have to tighten your belt and live within your means.”
John O. Bennett III, Monmouth County GOP chairman
Aug. 29
“I really think that the significance of having a governor from a state that traditionally is not Republican helps to energize people. I think the governor clearly … was reaching out for bipartisan support, calling on independents and Democrats and to join with him, to join with Mitt Romney to try to fix America and move it forward.
“While we all talk about the popularity of the governor nationally I think that can also help energize the base in terms of Monmouth and Ocean counties.
“Joseph Kyrillos as a candidate for the United States Senate, needs the state energized and needs his base, which is basically Monmouth and Ocean that elected the governor. I think that Kyrillos is going to benefit tremendously from the governor’s enthusiasm and ability to energize people.”
Assemblyman Ronald Dancer (R-12th District) NJ delegate
Aug. 29
“I think the nation heard in one 17-minute keynote address, what New Jersey has seen for the past three years. It’s always refreshing to hear someone just speak the truth.”
“Every four years, you get a sense whether you’re Democrat or Republican, as to whether your base is energized. (the GOP) are not only energized this year, they’re galvanized and they see that there is now a realistic hope that there is going to be a change.
“I believe that the keynote was very inspirational and motivational. [Christie] is a leader. Whether or not you agree with all of his policies, he is certainly a governor that puts substance over style and it’s a Jersey style.
“It is just amazing to see how electrifying that style can be in my opinion for a nation and a state. Whether you agree or disagree with Christie’s policies or decisions, you can not deny the fact that he is a leader.”