Romney/Ryan 2012

The RNC Convention was in Tampa at the end of August, and once again, John was able to attend.  He has had the good fortune of attending the last three conventions.  Each time, he has gone in a new role, so he has had a wide variety of experiences as far as GOP conventions go.  This year, he went as a donor.  John and I have supported Romney since 2007.  In fact, he was offered two jobs in 2007, but it was at a time when we were getting ready for our wedding and faced with uncertainty because Mom was recently diagnosed with cancer.  It should have been a very happy time for us with a new marriage and incredible job opportunity, but it was a really dark time.  That is life, I guess, and we both look back at 2007 and it seems so long ago.  It really isn't that long ago, but I feel like a lifetime has passed since then.  John helped raised money in 2007/2008 and was eager to get back on the Romney train in 2011/2012.  When Governor Romney announced his first fundraising push in Nevada, John was there--dialing for dollars.  He was the first supporter in Arkansas and certainly the first to write a check.  It is easy to be "on board" now, but last year, it was not so easy.  John talked to a lot of people about Governor Romney's credentials and background and argued why he would be the best candidate to put up against Obama.  He was able to get some early money out of like-minded family and business people, and therefore, he is a "Founding Partner" on the Romney team.

He was invited to attend the convention as a "black hat" member.  He did this four years ago and was one of the guys on the floor wearing a black hat with an ear piece.  He was responsible for throwing out a protester during McCain's speech.  As the legend goes, he was the closest team member to this guy, although he was not very close at all.  The Secret Service needs "staff" to escort the protesters out of the building and they can't "touch" anyone without staff giving the go ahead.  So, if you have a crazy guy screaming obscenities, the police et al are at a loss until instructed by GOP staff.  So, John recalls that all of a sudden, he hears chaos ensuing above him, and in his ear piece, he hears, "Eddy, it's all you!"  He turns his head from the floor up to the upper echelons of the balcony and knows what must be done...he must run like the wind lest John McCain will be humiliated by this crazy person.  He runs and runs and runs...his lungs tighten and tighten and he finally gets to him.  As he bends over to gasp for oxygen, holding his chest, he utters..."Get him out of here!"  And, there you have it, the legend of the black hats.  I kid, I kid...it is an honor to be asked to do this, but as you can read, he was also honored to be wined and dined in luxury with the other donors.

He said the trip was great, and he met a lot of new people while rekindling lots of old friendships.  I really need to attend at least one convention.  That is on my bucket list!  Below are just two pictures that he sent me.  Of course, he went to all kinds of restaurants, sailing excursions, behind the scenes tours etc, but he is not the photo taking type.  Nope, I just got these two!

John & Wade

Overview of the Convention Hall