At the Republican National Convention
ST. PAUL, MINN. – Oklahoma’s Republican delegation, after going through a checkpoint with bomb-sniffing dogs and officers that searched vehicles, made it to today’s opening session of the Republican National Convention.
Most of the delegates rode in buses, but some took taxis.
Most of today’s session will deal with committee reports, dealing with the party’s platform - or its goals and beliefs, credentials - to determine the qualification of delegates, and rules.
The session is expected to end about 5:30 today. The party’s presumed presidential nominee, John McCain, asked that today’s session be cut back from seven to 2 ½ hours because of the feared damage that would be inflicted on the Gulf Coast by Hurricane Gustav.
Our bus was stopped for several minutes about a block from the Xcel Energy Center in order for law enforcement officials to clear the vehicle.
Getting into the convention was orderly. Plenty of metal detectors were in place so that the average process to get in after emptying pockets and putting items through a metal detector took less than 10 minutes.
Delegates walking into the Xcel Energy Center were greeted by dozens of well-wishers from the Twin Cities, welcoming them to Minnesota. Oklahoma delegates felt at home with today’s weather, in the upper 80s, but cooler weather is expected tomorrow.
The Oklahoma delegation arrived early to the convention. Most members were in their seats on the red-carpeted floor by 2 p.m.
Tuesday’s schedule still appears to be up in the air. Some Oklahoma delegates heard there may be a blood drive after this evening’s session for Hurricane Gustav victims, but nothing’s been announced.
About two dozen Oklahoma delegates volunteered today to help St. Paul’s Salvation Army chapter by packing food items at its building a couple blocks away from the Xcel Energy Center after today’s session is over.
- Michael McNutt, Capitol Bureau
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