John Darby blogs from Minneapolis - Sunday

• Published September 02, 2008

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EDITOR'S NOTE: Here is the second report from Lacey Deputy Mayor John Darby, a delegate for John McCain at the Republican National Convention, that didn’t get posted on time Sunday.

I arrived at MSP at 6am this morning. Even though I’ve been somewhat skeptical of the costs of light rail in King County, I have to admit Minneapolis’ light rail is very convenient. I’m to my hotel in downtown in 20 minutes for $1.50. (Of course, I like it because I don’t have to subsidize it.) Our hotel is assigned by Convention organizers and the Washington delegation share our hotel with “major donors.” (It’s nice)

I attended a concert by Lee Greenwood. Although not a fan of country music, it was a great concert. Lee Greenwood is very involved in USO tours, he didn’t talk about Republicans, and he talked about Americans. The concert reminded me that while I am here to help my candidate get elected, Stewart Henderson (DNC Convention blogger) & I may disagree on how to go about it, we have the same goals, Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

After watching coverage of the Democrat Convention, I promised myself that I wouldn’t get emotionally carried away. But as I heard his signature song “God Bless the USA,” I had to work to check myself. I found myself being very proud of America.

It is cool to see places I’ve been walking around all day the news (yes, Fox News). A good many of the television commercials are aimed at delegates, topics range from Israel to Green Energy.

I am going to have to take additional luggage home to carry all the trinkets home. (I got a great Lego set of the White House for my son Nathan. If you see him, don’t spoil the surprise)

I have met several people form the Gulf Coast, it is heartwarming to see their resolve, and hear their stories in person. I am disappointed that I won’t get to hear the President speak, but I think it’s the right thing to do. On the other hand, tomorrow night had 30 speakers scheduled, so maybe a shortened agenda isn’t so bad.