the road to minneapolis

Physically: I-80 east, then I-35 north.

Metaphorically: The first time the thought of attending a Republican National Convention was in a discussion with a college friend named John following the ’04 elections. I was young and naïve and my friend talked about attempting to secure a spot as an alternate delegate at the next convention. John is one of the most naturally gifted political person I’ve ever met and the quest seemed far off, magical, and something that was reserved for those vastly more important than I.

Three years, hundreds of Republican functions, a nice amount of leadership posts, and innumerable hours spent volunteering, I started a very real campaign for the position that had once seemed so distant. Having the convention in Minneapolis made the goal more affordable and accessible- my mom lived in the area for a number of years and I know my way around the Mini-Apple.


Becoming a delegate or alternate is an incredibly difficult endeavor. The candidate field is chock full of business, political, and social leaders with deep pockets and deeper roots of connections. While most of these people are friends, role models, or both, it makes for an uphill climb. My race was a fierce and fairly expensive battle that reached a tense crescendo at the NEGOP convention.

Well… I came close. Darn close. 4 votes away, in fact. 4 freakin’ votes. Only one person between me and the glory of an alternate delegate’s role at the Republican National Convention. I could still become an alternate if two people ahead of me on the list cancel, which is very feasible, although I won’t know until/unless it happens.

Either way, I’m still going to the convention. I enjoy political functions and the nominating conventions are pretty much the Super Bowl of political functions. I’ve snagged a Guest pass and am hoping to meet as many politicos as possible, hopefully make some connections, and have some fun at the pinnacle of politics.

I’m really excited. To end on a cheesy joke, it should be a grand ol’ party. Wow. That was way too cheesy.