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George “Bill” Robinson and Toni Marek are immersed in Republican politics this week in Minnesota, but it’s unlikely they will bump into each other.
Robinson is one of three delegates to attend the Republican National Convention from Congressional District 15 – and the only delegate to go from DeWitt County in at least 24 years.
Robinson is in St. Paul to support Arizona Sen. John McCain, the Republican presidential nominee-to-be.
Marek, a Congressman Ron Paul supporter, was a Victoria County delegate to the state’s Republican convention in June. Marek is attending a three-day rally for Paul in Minneapolis.
Paul, who leans Libertarian, announced months ago – after it was clear McCain would be the nominee – that he’d hold a rally in the shadows of the big GOP show.
Robinson is unconcerned that Paul declined to endorse the party’s presumed nominee.
Robinson is a 65-year-old Yorktown justice of the peace who said he’s just excited to represent his district.
“It’s quite an honor to be elected at the state convention as a primary delegate,” Robinson said. “I’m excited to listen to the speeches and find out what they have planned.”
Like the other delegates, Robinson will vote on the party’s platform and nominate McCain and his surprise pick for vice president: Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.
“I think it was a pretty wise choice,” Robinson said.
Rumors have circulated that organizers might postpone the convention if Hurricane Gustav touches U.S. soil.
The storm hasn’t drenched Daryl Fowler’s excitement for Robinson, though. Fowler is the DeWitt County Republican Party chairman.
“We’re guaranteed we have representation on the floor for our voice,” Fowler said, explaining that Congressional District 15 is mostly comprised of counties in the Rio Grande Valley. “It’s a real benefit to our county.”
Victoria’s Roy Roberts is an alternate to the convention. Victoria is in Congressional District 18.
“I have been to three state conventions but I’ve never been to a national one,” Roberts said.
Marek, meanwhile, might try to attend the GOP event during breaks from Paul’s rally.
Marek and other supporters will receive training to effectively stump Paul’s anti–war, small–government ideals.
“I’m really excited,” said Marek, a relative new, but vocal, politico.
“We want to come back and be armed and ready to do what we need to do. I’m just excited to be around people who are in the same mind-set.”
Victoria’s Matt Ocker will also rally for Paul.