Kowabunga

Day two of the Minnesota State GOP Convention opened with a guest speak (whose name eludes me) giving an inspirational tribute to the men and women of the Armed Forces, with the "Battl Hymn of the Republic" playing in the background.

This was followed by a music video by Michael W. Smith celebrating America and our flag. No idea what the name of the song is. It was a beautiful piece of work, the visuals stunning and Patriotic, and the music stirring. I need to get the album this song is on.

The second day was "platform day," meaning we were going to spend the bulk of the day considering and adopting changes to the party platform. This made for a long, and, at times, grueling day. But we got it done.

We were also treated to speeches from a number of guests, including various congressional candidates, and some special interest groups.

Based on what I saw and heard, I believe this is going to be a good year for the GOP, with Rod Grams running in the 8th; Michelle Bachmann campaigning hard to fill the seat vacated by Mark Kennedy, as Kennedy seeks the vacant U.S. Senate seat; Obi Sium, an African immigrant who shows his love for America in what he says, as well as showing a sharp sense of humor.

There was also Juan Vega of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly of Minnesota, whose message is "Close the borders now!" Vega is not only an immigrant and naturalized citizen, he also served in the United States Marines. Thank you for your service, Juan Vega.

Vega focused on immigration, and the differences between the Republican and Democrat positions on this issue. The silent majority of legal immigrants do not want a path of citizenship given to those, whose first act is to break America's laws, rewarding criminal behavior. It is unfair to the millions who waited their turn, followed America's laws, and often times, serving in our Armed Forces (there were quite a few immigrants in my basic training flight in the Air Force).

The RNHA do not support deporting the 12 million illegal aliens, as it would reflect negatively on the GOP, and be displayed as 12 million Elian Gonzales'. That is a point that had not occurred to me, as I looked at the matter as being impractical.

Vega also pointed out that if you came to America legally, then the GOP is the party for you, the party for immigrants.

It was a darn good speech, and I look forward to the day this fine immigrant runs for Congress.

Friday was also the day of the presidential straw poll and re-endorsing Tim Pawlenty for Governor. See my previous post for the straw poll results.

Now for Saturday…I arrived a little let, missing the invocation and other start-off speeches. At least I wasn't running on four hours of sleep like Friday.

The bulk of the day was endorsing statewide candidates, most of whom are incumbents, with Jeff Johnson looking to fill the Attorney General slot vacated by Mike Hatch. This guy is sharp, and I have no doubt that he'll win.

It is looking to me like Minnesota is moving more and more in the right direction. It's going to be one heckuva campaign season. Should be lots of fun and I am looking forward to it.

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