Area republicans weigh in on convention

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - As Tropical Storm Isaac is gaining strength, the Republican National Convention is feeling the effects. The convention was pushed back a day causing it to begin Tuesday afternoon instead of Monday.  However, local republicans say there’s more pressing issues about the upcoming week that need to be in the spotlight.

Indiana sent 89 delegates to the convention this week, and among those is Paula Hughes. Hughes ran for Fort Wayne Mayor against Tom Henry last year. She was chosen to serve on the Rules Committee, a pre-conference committee concerning the regulations that govern the Republican Party.

"This is about bringing together members of the Republican Party from across the nation. It’s a rare chance for us all to be together in one place, and it’s a matter of rallying the troops and coming together," Hughes said.

On Saturday night, there was a small get together for all Hoosiers at the convention, and on Sunday, convention goers enjoyed the welcome reception which included flamingos and belly dancers.

However, fun and games aside, local republicans say there is business that needs to be attended to, and the economy is at the top of the list. 

"I really expect that the Republican National Convention will offer an opportunity for our nominee, Mitt Romney, to focus on a definite message, and that message is how his economic plan is going to better this country to the extent that it surpasses what the Obama administration has done for the last four years," said Steve Shine, the chairman of the Allen County Republican Party.

Former congressman and NewsChannel 15's political analyst, Mark Souder agrees.

"The main goal that the republicans will try to communicate is look, Romney ran Bain Capital, Ryan ran the budget committee," Souder said. "It takes people who know what they’re doing if we are going to turn around this economy."

However, Souder said Romney will have to show voters a different side of him other than his financial expertise.

"Mitt Romney needs to tell the American people that he not only was a good businessman but where he volunteered, how he volunteered, why they give money to the church, what’s in his heart, what’s in his soul," Souder said. "Ann Romney will do a little bit of that, but if he can’t communicate his soul, I don’t think he can close the deal."

Speaker of the House John Boehner will adjourn the convention at 10 P.M. Thursday night.