Behind the Scenes Look at the Texas Delegation

I didn’t have much time to post lengthy articles or commentary while we were in Minneapolis, as Republican Party of Texas staff were busy shepherding a flock of close to 500 delegates, alternate delegates, and guests through the week of events. Now that I’m back in Austin, here are a few behind the scenes looks at the time, people and effort behind the RNC Texas Delegation.

Saturday afternoon, as staff were arriving in Minneapolis, Chairman Benkiser and I met with the state chairmen of the Hurricane Gustav “affected states,” here’s a look inside the McCain campaign Convention “nerve center” before it began to fill up with staff.

After the “Affected States Working Group” meeting, we picked up the delegation’s credentials, and brought them back to the delegation hotel. Here, Derek Ryan, RPT Research Director, and Betsy Schonhoff sort and catalog the various credentials.

An up close look at Guest Credentials

Betsy packages credentials for distribution to delegates

Michelle Burnett, RPT Convention Coordinator, counts delegate chairs on the floor.

View from above the press riser.

Craig Goldman, McCain Regional Campaign Manager, and our floor whip, with me in the background.

First Night of the Convention

Laura Bush speaks at the Texas Delegation Breakfast

Karl Rove speaks at Texas Delegation Lunch on Tuesday

Texas Delegates on the floor Tuesday evening.

Pollster Frank Luntz, speaking to Texas Delegation Breakfast

Breakfast room each morning before delegation arrives, thanks to the hard work of Andrea Antal, RPT Finance Director, and her assistant Emily Richter.