RNC gives delegates, residents sense of ‘pride’

On the Republican National Convention floor, Florida delegates and Tampa Bay area residents were optimistic about what the convention has meant and will mean to the region.

On the Republican National Convention floor, Florida delegates and Tampa Bay area residents were optimistic about what the convention has meant and will mean to the region.

RNC gives delegates, residents sense of ‘pride’

 

By Micah Grimes, Web Editor
Last Updated: Wednesday, August 29, 2012

TAMPA — 

On the Republican National Convention floor, Florida delegates and Tampa Bay area residents were optimistic about what the convention has meant and will mean to the region.

“It clearly is going to be a benefit for the entire metro area and it’s going to give us an international boost … an economic boost for decades to come,” Florida at large delegate John Giotis, of Clearwater Beach, said from the RNC convention floor. “It’s clearly an honor for Tampa and the surrounding communities” to host the RNC.

Florida Broward County delegate Richard DeNapoli, sitting next to Giotis, added that the convention has been a “very exciting, once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Tampa resident David Watson cited the influx of people into the Bay area as an inherent positive and an economic boom. “Also the nice [media] coverage,” he added. “Hopefully it will be good to attract those who want to come and vacation here.”

For Florida Congressional District 11 Chairman and Florida delegate A.J. Matthews, holding the event in the Tampa Bay area was a moment of pride that will have far-reaching effects.

Matthews said he hasn’t been able to take part in much of the outside social activities that come with the RNC as he has volunteered to help in the mornings and served as a delegate in the evenings.

“As a political leader, it’s important to me to represent, to give back and really become part of the movement that has made this convention happen.” The Tampa resident said that it gave him a very significant sense of pride that it has been held in “my backyard.”

The three delegates didn’t speak to the delayed busing issues reported by Bay News 9’s partner newspaper the Tampa Bay Times, but an Indiana delegate who asked to not be identified said he was somewhat unhappy with how the RNC’s delegate busing has progressed.

Richard DeNapoli: 2012 RNC Delegate

As featured in the Tampa Bay Times

Richard DeNapoli

Richard DeNapoli

Delegate from Hollywood

Richard DeNapoli

Supported in the primary: Uncommitted

Party role: Chairman of the Broward Republican Executive Committee

Quote: “I am looking forward to Mitt Romney, Paul Ryan, Marco Rubio, Connie Mack and all of our local Florida leaders. It’s inspiring to see all the other Republican activists from across the country. To see all of our national figures is very exciting, and to have it all in Florida, our home state, is even better.”

Occupation: Trust officer at a bank

Age: 35

Why this delegate is noteworthy: DeNapoli comes from a  county where there are twice as many registered Democrats as Republicans. Paul Ryan’s mother lives in Broward (Lauderdale-by-the Sea). DeNapoli would like to meet her and do some sort of event with her in Broward.

Prior conventions:

  • RNC 2008, St. Paul, MN

Follow this delegate’s convention experience:

Twitter: @richarddenapoli

Tonight! Republican Candidates Hob Nob & CD 23 Republican Candidates Debate

Tonight!

 

Broward Republican Candidate Hob Nob &

CD 23 Republican Candidates Debate!

 
Listen to the Republican Candidates Competing to Take on Debbie Wasserman Schultz in November
Tonight, Thursday, August 2nd!
Hob Nob for all Republicans running in any race 
featured on a Broward ballot begins at 6PM
Debate starts at 7PM, with seating beginning at 6PM
Debate moderated by Michael Putney, Senior Political Reporter for Local 10 WPLG
Debate is Free and Open to the Public
but for $10 you will get food, refreshments, and the opportunity to participate in a countywide poll fundraiser.  If you are a Republican candidate and have questions, please contact us at 954-941-7775.
 
All Republican Candidates Running in Broward are 
Invited to the Hob Nob
All CD23 Republican Candidates are Invited to Debate,
Listed Below in Alphabetical Order*
Learn more about them by visiting their websites:
Gineen Bresso
Gineen Bresso
www.gineenbresso.com
Ozzie Defaria
Ozzie deFaria
www.ozzieforcongress.com
Juan Eliel Garcia 
Juan Eliel Garcia
www.juanelielforcongress.com
Karen Harrington
Karen Harrington
www.karenforcongress.com
Joseph "Joe" Kaufman
Joseph “Joe” Kaufman
 
Tonight, Thursday, August 2nd
Hob Nob starts at 6 PM
Debate starts at 7 PM, with seating beginning at 6PM
Limited Seating – First Come, First Served**
Hollywood Beach Culture & Community Center
1301 S. Ocean Drive
Hollywood, FL 33019
 
DEBATE MODERATED BY Michael Putney, Senior Political Reporter for 
Local 10 WPLG
 
The New 23rd Congressional District
23rd Congressional District Florida 
*Pictures taken from Candidate Facebook pages or provided by candidate
**RSVP does not guarantee seat
www.browardgop.org
Political advertisement paid for and approved by the Broward Republican Executive Committee.  Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.

Original Email: August 2, 2012