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GOP convention diary: Committed delegates free to cast for McCain
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Joshua Turner

Joshua Turner, the chairman of the White County Republican Party, is a John McCain delegate to the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn.

He filed the following report by e-mail on Sunday:

The Georgia Delegation held its first official meeting in Minneapolis on Sunday morning. The brunch was held at the Doubletree Hotel Minneapolis-Park Place, which is housing the Georgia Republicans.

State Party Chairwoman Sue Everhart welcomed everyone and introduced the dignitaries present, including numerous members of the Georgia General Assembly, Southeastern McCain Committee Chairman Alec Poitevint, and congressional candidates Maj. Gen. Rick Goddard and Dr. Deborah Honeycutt.

Randy Evans, general counsel for the Georgia Republican Party, announced to the delegates that all of the presidential candidates have released their committed delegates, and are now free to cast their vote for Sen. John McCain during the roll call vote for the Republican nomination.

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is the talk of the Twin Cities and the Georgia Delegation. The excitement over the VP pick is apparent and seems to have rejuvenated the party prior to the convention.

On Sunday night, a reception for the visiting Republicans will officially kick off the National Convention and welcome the 45,000 visitors to the Land of Ten Thousand Lakes.

But today’s plans are uncertain at this time. An e-mail sent on Sunday afternoon to delegates said that at the recommendation of Sen. John McCain, the 2008 Republican National Convention announced substantial changes to the convention’s program and actions being taken to help with Hurricane Gustav relief efforts.

Today, all program activities beyond the official business that must be conducted in accordance with party rules will be canceled.

Among the other actions announced Sunday were the formation of the Affected States Working Group, the establishment of an Affected States Information Center and the chartering of a DC-9 to transport affected delegates.