John Ransom, husband of Colorado alternate delegate Kim Ransom, sent in these observations from this week's Republican National Convention:

While Sarah Palin stole the show this week in St. Paul, the more remarkable and more impactful story for party politics is Senator John McCain's transformation from maverick, sometimes-saint, part-time martyr and party-outsider into GOP leader and hero during the convention reverie in St Paul.

No other development so threatens the Democrats chances in this election year, dampening their otherwise fair shot at capturing the White House. Democrats have been relying, in part, on a damaged Republican party to ensure better voter turnout numbers.

With McCain solidifying support this week up north, the Democrats would now unwisely rely on suppressed GOP turnout in order to win.   

"We are on the edge of a history setting campaign," Representative Kevin Lundberg, a member of the Colorado delegation and a sometime McCain critic said prior to the McCain acceptance speech Thursday night, "and it starts right here and right now."

If anything, Thursday night's speech by the Republican nominee further galvanized McCain's support inside the party.

"This is the most exciting place I have ever been," echoed Travis Whitsitt, another member of the Colorado delegation. "It's more exciting than any hockey game."  

By unifying a fractured Republican party, John McCain hopes he can bring to bear a GOP get-out-the-vote operation that has proven more effective than the Democrats in recent national elections.     

Since February, when McCain essentially wrapped up the Republican presidential nomination, the Arizona Senator has done the careful pick and shovel work of building up his support inside an often-skeptical GOP. Yet until the Palin pick electrified party activists, McCain was more often acknowledged by GOP insiders as the inevitable pick rather than the pick that generated excitement for the future of the party.

It is clear however that the week in Minnesota was a changing of the guard for the GOP.

For Republicans, McCain's now fully in charge of this party. And so far the party seems to like it.  

John (Bam) Ransom is a freelance political, financial and sports writer whose work has appeared in The Street.com, NewsMax and the LA Business Journal, among other publications. Contact him via http://www.ransomcreative.com

By Athena Dalton
Alternate Colo. GOP delegate

ST. PAUL - So far the convention has been a blur. Seeing and hearing from so many of my conservative heroes in one week is exciting and overwhelming. However, I know the one event that will forever stand out in my mind from this convention will be the nomination of Sarah Palin for vice president.

Last night I was glad to see that my fellow convention attendees are as enthusiastic about Sarah Palin as I am. It took several minutes for the applause and chants of "Sarah!" to die down before she even began her speech.

Those who watched the convention from home may wonder at the level of excitement expressed here. Although part of our enthusiasm may be attributed to the expectation of victory in November, I know that my reasons for being excited about Palin will endure long past the election.

For too long young women have been lumped into a single demographic that is assumed to single-mindedly support liberal women like Hillary Clinton and Nancy Pelosi. Sarah Palin is a nominee I can believe in not just because she is a superstar mother of five and an iron-willed Governor, but because she shares my values and political convictions.

The issues of life, free markets and individual responsibility are non-negotiable for me. It is high time for America to meet a woman of Palin's stature who feels the same way.

I think women across America will understand what I mean when I say that last night I met a woman, and a Party, that I can believe in.

Athena Dalton is a 20-year-old college student from Longmont. She currently attends CU-Denver and hopes to have a career in politics... someday. This is her first time attending a Republican National Convention - and this year is her first time voting in a presidential election. Her heroes include Condoleezza Rice, Margaret Thatcher and (most recently added to the list) Sarah Palin.

By Mark Thrun.

We still love him.

Yes, Biden was phenomenal. And both Hillary and Bill were exactly on mark to heal the wounds cut by the aggressive primary.

But even more than Hillary's tear-evoking motion to suspend the roll-call vote and Bill's very first sentence in support of Barack Obama, it was the welcome that Bill received as he walked onto the podium that will allow us to Hope. We obviously adore the man. In spite of South Carolina. In spite of his recent reticence.

The overflowing Pepsi Center was jubilant for what seemed to be forever upon President Clinton's arrival. Twenty-thousand people on their feet, 20,000 flags in the air, noise so deafening you could not speak to your neighbor. He is the rock star. Reminding Bill Clinton that we still value him was just what was needed to help move us beyond the Clinton era and into the Obama.

Our beloved Bill will still have a place in the front of our beloved party. Not as its leader, but as its leader emeritus.

The Obama train is leaving and Bill and Hillary Clinton are aboard.

By Mark Thrun. My partner almost took off his Barack pin. An ardent Hillary supporter, Geoff, like many of us, was in tears as Hillary spoke.

Even though it was only day two of the convention, she had hard acts to follow. Michelle Obama was the epitome of grace as she wowed delegates on Monday evening with the Obama personal story. And energetic Brian Schweitzer, Governor of Montana, was leagues above most speakers, literally bringing the 20,000 in attendance to their feet, as he established himself as a national powerhouse all while delivering what could have been a boring speech on energy.

Yet Hillary was at her best.

It could have been her delivery. She was on! Sitting only 50 seats from President Bill Clinton (38 blurry pictures later, I was able to finally convince my partner, who was not in the Pepsi Center at the time, it was true), we could see the pride in his face. She was eloquent and inspired. Several of my friends wondered aloud if she had been so poised and perfect at the beginning of the campaign, would the convention be focused in a different direction.

It might have been her message. There is no way that four more years of a Bush administration in his "twin" McCain is acceptable. Only Barack has the vision and the plan to lead us to health care for all, to decrease our dependence on foreign oil, and to reduce our presence in Iraq. She was emphatic in her insistence that we must unite together behind Barack Obama to defeat his Republican challenger.

Maybe it was simply her presence. A pantsuit never looked so good. She was in her element tonight. Energized. Comfortable. Effusive. Yet gracious. She took her husband's oft-given advice to many to take the high road. Her support of the Obama nomination was clear and, in that offering, she rose above the fray of the last 18 months.

It was all those things. Yet it was more. It was the historical significance of what she accomplished in the course of this campaign. As she took the stage on this anniversary of women's right to vote, she did so after having changed our world. The highest and most powerful job that anyone might aspire to is no longer out of reach for women. Never again will anyone assume a woman could not be up to the job.

Though I am sure she laments that she is not the focal point of this convention, her efforts are not for naught. She has raised the bar; she has set the mark. My partner was still wearing his Obama pin when I caught up with him this evening, but I suspect he will long save the Hillary poster I brought home with me. We are a better people because of her.

By Mark Thrun. After an evening at Bar Standard discussing kids, Obama, and local politics with Reps. Mark Ferrandino and Andy Kerr and his wonderful wife Tammy, the alarm was not so welcome this morning.

The only way to get credentials for the evening's activities at the Pepsi Center was to arrive at our delegate breakfast at 7:00 AM where, amid a media circus, they were distributed to all Colorado delegates and alternates.

Credentials give varied levels of access to areas around and within the Pepsi Center. There are folks allowed only on the grounds, some invited into the arena, an even smaller number that have access to the hall, and even fewer still privileged to be on the floor itself. As an alternate, I have access to the hall, but will need a gracious benefactor to get down to the floor.

As we are about to head to the convention hall, the day has already been full. Rep. John Salazar warmly met several of us personally this morning before spending some time on the stage prior to his brother. Breakfast was followed by comments by Reps. Salazar and Ed Perlmutter, and Sen. Ken Salazar.

The keynote speaker was former Governor of Alabama Don Seigelman. He told his story of being imprisoned and then released on charges that were eventually deemed "not criminal" in what he described as a Karl Rove framing.

The LGBT caucus followed later in the early afternoon. All but 2 states are represented by LGBT persons in their delegation, including 5 from Colorado. Rep. Tammy Baldwin and local advocate and philanthropist Tim Gill were keynote speakers. Both have spent much of their public lives advocating on behalf of the GLBT community and fired up the approximately 600 or so delegation members and guests.

The convention starts in earnest in a few minutes. The bus awaits.

GALLOP ON OVER TO THE HISPANIC CAUCUS THIS MORNING

Okay it is sup posed to a secret but Hillary Clinton is coming to speak at the Hispanic Caucus at the Colorado Convention Center at 9:30am

It is free and open to the public but it will fill up fast.

 I will post more events later today.

GITTY UP, Sonya

Sonya Jaquez Lewis is a Clinton Delegate to the DNCC and is having the week of her life.

By Mark Thrun. Some Republicans had been praying for rain for the Democratic Convention, but the week could not have started better as Governor Ritter welcomed the Colorado delegation and guests for a convention kick-off brunch under beautiful, sunny, Colorado skies this morning.

Guests were treated to food and drink as they mingled in the gardens of the Governor's mansion. On hand to inaugurate the week was much of the Democratic National Convention host committee. Elbra Wedgeworth, the woman behind the convention dream, seemed to revel in the moment as the event that had taken so long to plan began to come to fruition.

Senator Ken Salazar and Representative Diana DeGette each took their turn welcoming delegates and supporters to Denver.

But it was the emcee who seemed to be having the most fun. Colorado Dems Chair Pat Waak helped lead local Democrats through one of the most contentious and widely participated in primary seasons in memory. I suspect she will not be resting until Friday, and by that time, she will have earned it. Given the fall races though, she will not truly be able to put her feet up until November.

Although the reception this morning was limited to the Colorado delegation, an event at Elitch's last evening welcomed the many media representatives, and an event this evening at Bar Standard will welcome those delegates able to stay out later than I.

In the meantime, though the welcomes continue this evening with an official delegate welcome reception, I look forward to the real work that begins in earnest tomorrow.

By Mark Thrun. I have never seen the median of Speer Boulevard look so lush or inviting.

I can picture picnics back in 1908. Carriages pulled up along the road, horses tied to the guardrails, blankets spread with all kinds of tasty, nibbly things. The peaks of the Front Range for a backdrop. Men and women laughing. Talking politics. Speculating at what a Bryan presidency might be like.

Of course, Speer was only in process of becoming a boulevard back in 1908 inspired not only by the route of the Cherry Creek but also by the visions of a mayor by the same name, so my picnics are ones of fantasy. I have lived in northwest Denver for 6 years and have traveled past the Pepsi Center multiple times a day for as long a time. Yet, I can't help thinking I have never seen the area looking better.

Trees trimmed, mulch laid down, grass greener that I remember (Is sprinkler fed grass as green as it appears?), fresh paint on sculptures, new bike lanes painted on streets in the neighborhoods off Speer. You'd think we were expecting out-of-town guests. Yet given all the construction in the central city, it is like throwing an open house before the builders have had the opportunity to finish their handiwork.

Delegates will see a city that is, yet again, in the midst of significant growth. As the population of our state continues to grow, so grow the cranes that tower over downtown in an attempt to meet the infrastructure needs of these new immigrants.

This polished and expanding version of Denver has renewed a pride in our home. Our youth and beauty is impossible to miss among the rough-hewn vestiges of the old West.

I wish for only two things: 1. That the so many residents of our metropolitan area who are not as lucky as I to live in the urban heart of our city take a risk and come downtown next week to revel in this celebration of our city and our place in national politics. And 2. That the shine radiating from LoDo takes a long time to dull.

I had a fascinating tour of the Pepsi Center yesterday. As I moseyed through the expansive space..I was totally unsaddled. Wow..it is amazing !The home of the Colorado Avalanche has been totally transformed.  Gone are the banners and almost any sign of sports prowess.   There are HUGE screens around the podium…probably the height of a 10 horse barn (3 stories high).  The largest I have ever seen. They were running a video and the high def resolution seemed to highlight all the way down to the smallest pixel. 

A lot of us, delegates, will be on the floor, about a dozen states..but most states are on the second level.  I guess you call it  first tier seats and second tier seats.  The Colorado host delegation will be in the front of the pack, as is the custom.  But we’re not the “Pride of the Pack”… Illinois, Obama’s  state of residence got that nod.  You’ll see a visibly difference between our delegation from the others up front…there will be lots of western wear and cowboy hats.  As I stood there, gazing around like a cowgirl in New York city..mouth open..I totally felt at home imagining my trusty purple cowboy hat on my head only 20 feet from the podium.

Now ..don’t feel so bad for the folks not on the floor.   The delegates can go wherever we want…except for into the gleaming glass suites…party suites..for those in them.  They looked like posh hotel rooms..lush and comfy.  What about alternates?, like my fellow blogger, Mark Thrun.   Shout out to Mark….for inspiring me to think I could do this….are up in the nose bleed zone.    Yes..alternates actually do get into the Pepsi Center.  They are just corralled in the upper level until someone is gracious enough to wander up there and swamp credentials with them.  

All the “Guests of the Delegations” are up there too.   So..let’s just say that you have a Mom who has been a long time democrat..who worked her heart out…draggin her kids to every political event..that super achieving kind of Mom..that’s where they would go ..should they be incredibly lucky enough to get a pass. 

Ok..you caught me..problem is..I have not been able to get her pass to Tuesday night…I’m still trying…Any ideas?

Now..I’m back on the floor, they seem to be calling it the "bowl".  And the main floor now seems smaller than when I first walked in.  To one end of the floor, there are an additional group of small states.  Those of us on the floor will be sitting on folding chairs.  There are four media stands at floor level (about 10'X10' each) for the main outlets and their megastars.  I bet it will smell like hair product over there.

The media is are already in the Pepsi Center occupying suites and floor space.  The cable wiring is unbelievable.  Large numbers of large HD TVs are also being unpackaged and will be available for viewing in the hallways.  There's a blogger room, a media room where reporters send their stories.  There's even a room where speakers can practice before going onto the podium.  We saw the "green rooms," that is, the waiting rooms for the speakers.  I even went into innards of the podium. 
 
Oops…I think I lost my tour guide…well..I’ve got to head on back to reality and pick a unconventional event to recommend…I think today..I’ll pick a truly unconventionally titled one. 

On Monday Aug 25th at 10am for 2 hours  thenat 2pm for 3 hours …a fab training at the Buell Theatre called “UnConventional Women”..lots of famous women and those folk who got them there..will help spread their knowledge to anyone who wants to hear it. I think ..if you go to  www.thewhitehouseproject.org    and sign up you”ll get in free or for a small fee. Last piece..Why did I call this post..Biden My Time in the Pepsi Center ?..I just heard he’s the bottom of the ticket..so there you have it…more on him later. 

GITTY UP, Sonya

Sonya Jaquez Lewis is a licensed pharmacist, lecturer at CU's School of Pharmacy, drummer and a lifelong Latina Democrat. Sonya creates change through Colorado Anti-Violence Project and Boulder Community United, Boulder Pride, Stonewall Democrats and the Boulder County Resource Conservation Commission. She has deep roots to the Colorado region, coming from one of the original San Luis Valley ‘Hispano' families. In addition to her Colorado roots Sonya is a GRIT, Girl Raised in the South, with political parents in North Carolina. She and her partner, Allison, live in unincorporated Boulder County with horses, dogs, cats and thousands of wild bunnies at the Rainbow Ranch.

What to do? …where to go? …why are we here?…

Surprise..we don’t know..There’s no official training to be a delegate…Most folks this year have never been to a caucus before, let alone a national convention.  Thank the goddess..for a few experienced folk…I won’t mention their names..okay rewind..I will mention their names…shout out to ..Julia Hicks and Rebecca McClellan.  Their expertise in delegate-ism..has been invaluable.  There has only been one official delegate meeting and it happened back in May , the week we all found out who had made it as..soon to be chickens with our heads cut off..oops..I mean delegates.  It has been a little chaotic….but that’s what happens when volunteers run things..it is a free flow. Remember the February caucuses…By the way…if you want me to share some inside scoop about Feb 5th…(later gator..near the end of DNC week)

So….Most delegates across the country receive a “delegate packet” about a month before the convention.  It is supposed to be a compilation of all the events going on this week and next.  Well..the “packet” came THIS week . It looked my 7th grade paper on Japan and the growth of Asia.  My name appeared handed printed on the front and it held about 10 pages …xeroxed to death..flyers without dates..caucus meetings without location..on unreadable paper..what happened to the “green"?

Remember… be nice…volunteers..

What to do? …where to go? …why are we here?

I did get one email invitation early.. the Emily’s list event..(if you don’t know them..wait for a later post after the event..I’ll let you know if you need to know who they are..) Anyway..they are charging $100 bucks..for 2 hours and no meal..No lie..and of course that’s the one my Mom wants to go to…so I sent my check in…in July…and now it is 3 days away and they still haven’t let me know if my 76 year old mother and I get in…whine…

But hold your horses..missy…Have no fear.  I’m a part of the host delegation, so I emailed the Host Committee.  Nope..just a form letter reply.  Here’s what I love about working on campaigns…You know who came through for me…my fellow delegates.  One by one..secretly from both sides of the “ring”..Obama v Clinton delegates started sending me invitations that they had received through Latina, Enviro, Union, Progressive, LGBTQ groups…everything.  And now I kid you not..I have been invited to over 200 events in 5 days.  Does anyone know my clone? And have her phone number?

So that brings me to  the daily promised unconventional event to go to…how about..PDA’s HealthCare Not Warfare  lunch and panel discussion on Monday August 25th 12 to 4pm..it’s cheap..just pay for the food. 

Central Presbyterian Church at 1660 Sherman St. shout out to.. www.pdamerica.org 

GITTY UP, Sonya 

Sonya Jaquez Lewis is a licensed pharmacist, lecturer at CU’s School of Pharmacy, drummer  and a lifelong Latina Democrat. Sonya creates change through Colorado Anti-Violence Project and Boulder Community United, Boulder Pride, Stonewall Democrats and the Boulder County Resource Conservation Commission. She has deep roots to the Colorado region, coming from one of the original San Luis Valley ‘Hispano’ families. In addition to her Colorado roots Sonya is a GRIT, Girl Raised in the South, with political parents in North Carolina. She and her partner, Allison, live in unincorporated Boulder County with horses, dogs, cats and thousands of wild bunnies at the Rainbow Ranch.