Fayette’s GOP chairman pleased with convention
Attending his fourth Republican National Convention, Christopher D.L. Sepesy, chairman of the Fayette County GOP, said the New York gathering is accomplishing its goal of rallying the troops. “It’s as exciting as any I’ve ever been to, probably more so. There’s a lot of charge in the air up here. It is New York, after all,” Sepesy said early Thursday evening. “I certainly think it is an attempt to solidify the (Republican) case. I will assume that that is exactly what it is doing.”
An alternate delegate from 12th Congressional District. Sepesy said speeches by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Democrat Georgia Sen. Zell Miller and Vice President Dick Cheney have helped energize the GOP.
Sepesy said that Schwarzenegger’s speech was “very, very exciting and had the audience on its feet for its entirely,” that Miller’s speech was “certainly a barnburner” and that Cheney’s speech was calculated to make a strong impact.
“(It) was a very measured and metered attempt to spell out exactly what the difference our position is on issues of security, both national and international, from the Democrats,” said Sepesy of Cheney’s turn at spotlight. “It was very well received.”
The most moving point of the convention, according to Sepesy, was “undoubtedly” its 9/11 tribute, followed closely by Wednesday night’s homage to former President Ronald Reagan.
With President Bush scheduled to accept his party’s nomination later Thursday night, Sepesy said that Bush needed to say things that broadened his appeal.
“I think he has to appeal to the entire country. I think it is crucial that he not alienate moderates, but still stand by his record as he wants to,” said Sepesy. “The thrust of the convention thus far has been security, but I’m sure he’s going to go into domestic issues as well, such as the economy, and some of the social issues.”
While admitting that conventions in general are “always a lot of fun,” because of the connections one makes and the camaraderie he shares, Sepesy said his section of the convention floor Wednesday night was itself evidence of the GOP’s big tent.
“It was very interesting (Wednesday) night,” said Sepesy. “In my section, of the six people around me, (there) was a Texas oilman, a New York Hassidic Jewish man, a log cabin Republican from Florida, a public school librarian from upstate New York and a nun from Minnesota.”
Sepesy said that following last night’s Bush acceptance speech that effectively wraps up the convention, he plans to head to Washington, D.C., on Friday before returning to Fayette County.