GOP Convention Starts with Excitement [Opinion]

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, Wife are Delegates at GOP Convention [Opinion]

The Republican National Convention kicked off Monday with a great deal of excitement and enthusiasm.

Having attended National Republican Conventions for Donald Trump and the late Robert Dole as a member of the California delegation, I can tell you these political conventions are a mixture of work, waiting, and fun.

Floor managers stir up those on the floor, distinguished guests like the late presidents Gerald R. Ford and G.W. Bush attended. I was tasked to support former Vice President Dan Quayle and accompany him to a series of events hosted by various state and sponsorships.

The late Palm Springs resident Jim Stewart whipped the California delegation into a frenzy. Former state Sen.  Jim Battin and I sat on either side of Bo Derek, an American actress. The Dole convention almost froze out Governor Pete Wilson over his pro-choice stance. The RNC relented and Wilson gave a very good speech. Dole lost in the general election.

Of course, Donald Trump was nominated in 2017. That convention had a totally different feel. In Cleveland, Ohio, security was at a record high level. Entry into the convention center was via a maze of security and fences. Much more emphasis was placed on credentials and the floor managers were vigilant to ensure delegates and alternate delegates were in their seating areas.

More sponsors were present, and more hospitality suites were also available. The California delegation hotel was nowhere near the convention center. During down times trips to the NFL and Rock & Roll Hall of fame were open for attendees. When it was all over Donald Trump and Mike Pence were the nominees.

Getting to be a delegate or alternate isn’t easy. It is a mix of donors, campaign workers, sponsors, elected state leaders, and political action committee leaders. Add in spouses and more media than you have ever seen, and you have a massive audience.

This year, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and his wife Denise are among delegates. The full list can be found in this link.

The Republican National Convention in Wisconsin has taken on a new and higher level of interest with the assassination attempt of Donald Trump. The barriers around the convention center are unreal. Land, sea, and air former President Trump and his thousands of delegates are well protected. National Guard, police and deputies from 6 states, and of course the Secret Service are all on alert and on scene. Some will be visible; others won’t be so obvious.

For many this will be a once in a lifetime time experience. For former President Trump and Senator J.D. Vance it is the first step on the road to their efforts to the Presidency and Vice Presidency.

Let’s hope and pray this convention is safe for all in attendance! God bless the United States of America.