NJ Republicans Await Christie's Big Speech

On Monday morning, we had our first briefing, which was very brief: No convention meeting. We heard Tom Kean, Sr. speak about how, in his day, there was more civility between Democrats and Republicans.  

Security is incredible and it will be very difficult to move around. Roads are blocked and there appears to be security personnel on every corner in Tampa. We even saw multiple police cars on the causeway leading to St. Petersburg. I hope it will not interfere too much with my reporting.

On Sunday, we tried to go to Tropicana Field for the opening show, but every road was blocked and we could not even find the entrance. We plan on taking a drive to check things out this afternoon.

The hurricane basically missed Tampa, but it looks like it will be a problem for New Orleans.

I was able to speak to some more people. Let me know what you prefer to hear. I plan on writing a short description of the day followed by comments from various people I meet. 

Joe Kyrillos: Candidate for Senate

I am looking forward to Christie’s big speech Tuesday night, as is all of America. We in New Jersey know Chris very well, but after Tuesday night everybody in the country will know him. He has a unique style and has a very rare ability to take hard truths and complicated matters and boil them down in a way people can understand, and do it in an interesting inspiring and colorful way. Chris will not be just speaking to Republicans, but will be speaking to all Americans including Democrats and Independents alike and let them know that this is a critical decision and that they have the responsibility to evaluate things. He knows that things are not quite right. Chris Christie knows things are not right.

As the Senate candidate, Kyrillos would like people of Montclair to know that he will be a great Senator. He has had a good strong record as a state senator for many years and the people of Montclair should look at him and get to know him. And they should make a positive judgement that Joe Kyrillos is the type of Republican that they can embrace and support.  

Tom Kean, Jr.: Republican Leader

His dad gave a great speech. He put our experience here today in the context of history and that is very important for all people in this room so they could understand their role in making this country a place where innovation and hard work is rewarded. He said that it was great for all the people here who would be rewarded and be part of a change in history.

The Republican candidates have always supported policies that reward initiative and hardworking people who work hard and create jobs. Candidates who understand that their hard earned wages are not the government’s money, but earned by the people. And we need candidates who will create opportunities and understand the real solutions that we need.

Tanya Freeman: West Orange delegate

It is exciting to be here. Christie is going to do an amazing job and it will be a great convention. 

It is a certainly a challenge being a women of color and a Republican. When you really get to the heart of the issue, it really boils down to economic issues. That spans across racial divides and we should not vote color or emotion, but really vote for the man who will get the job done.

A lot of people voted for Obama in 2008 looking for change especially the minority community and I ask for those people to look for that change, to look and see what is different from ’08 to 2012. Particularly in the minority community: unemployment rates are sky high and there is very little opportunity for jobs for kids coming out of school. And it is time for a change, and that change is the Romney-Ryan ticket!