Post Convention

My brother and I arrived at the convention at 7:30 am with my sign and umbrella. I was disappointed to that all the prime space was taken by state candidates with the big money. I found a space south of the middle doors and we got set up. As the delegates began to arrive it became obvious that the only people we would see would be the people going to the Home and Garden show. I had asked some neighbors to come hold up the sign so when they arrived we took the umbrellas and moved to an area near the main door. My wife came and one of my sons classmates came so I recruited them to hold umbrellas. The children loved the candy that the other candidates were handing out, they certainly prefer high budget campaigns to low budget campaigns. I was able to talk to several delegates, including a few that I had not meet before.

After the convention started the waiting began. I talked with two other candidates from other districts, both first timers. After awhile I stopped reviewing my speech and went into the breakout room and read. All three district 50 candidates ended up in the room waiting. A delegate came in and told us he had a group of delegates that wanted to talk to us so we went into the convention hall and had a short discussion. After a few minutes the convention divided to the breakout sessions. I was having a discussion with three delegates so we stayed until the hall was almost empty. When I arrived at the breakout room the session had started and it was time for my speech. It would have been nice to be able to catch my breath, but there was no time. Three minutes may seem like a long time, but it seemed like I had just started when the 1 minute left sign went up. I had practiced my speech many times. In front of the mirror it was about 2 minutes 50 seconds. But when that 1 minute sign went up I knew I would not get to the end, so I skipped my favorite part, went to the conclusion and finished just under a minute.

The voting was stressful. When they announced that I had received 35 votes I thought it was over, then 42 for Mrs. Newbold and 34 for Mr. Jarrard. I was stunned. They went straight to the second vote. Fortunately, there was a young lady there with her mother who was standing in the back during the vote so I stood by her and we talked about singing in the choir, she was in Madrigals, I did not make Madrigals but I did sing in the Acappella Choir in High School. I am grateful that I could take my mind off the vote.

Now it is on to the primary. At first I was feeling a little overwhelmed, but Monday I checked my e-mails and found that some people had offered to help. Now I am thinking that we can do this. I don't have to do it alone, I don't want to do it alone, it will be much more fun and rewarding running in a group. I have a few things that I need to get in place, like setting up an account for donations and getting a few volunteers to manage the finances. It is full speed ahead.