Valley convention delegates eager for GOP bash

Now, it’s the Republicans’ turn.

The Democrats wrapped up their national convention in Denver on Thursday with the official crowning of U.S. Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois as their presidential nominee.

The Republicans start their convention Monday at St. Paul’s Xcel Energy Center culminating with the presidential nomination of U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona on Thursday.

Some convention delegates from the Mahoning Valley are thrilled to attend the event.

“I’m into it big-time,” said Dave Johnson of Salem, the Columbiana County Republican chairman. “I’m real excited. It’s a real defining moment in our nation’s history. These conventions are the Super Bowl of politics. I’ll enjoy being a part of it all — the plotting and planning — and I’ll be anxious to get back and kick off our local campaign.”

Johnson’s been either a delegate or alternate delegate at every Republican convention since 1988.

McCain’s decision to select little-known Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate will generate a greater amount of interest in the convention, local Republicans say.

Johnson said he “couldn’t be more pleased” with McCain’s decision to select Palin and is eager to hear from her at the convention.

Read more in Sunday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com