CLEARWATER BEACH, Fla. -- Much has been made of New York's practically invisible role at the Republican National Convention this week, including the fact that not one New Yorker will address the gathering.
Turns out, however, that one New Yorker after all will speak before the convention -- Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, the archbishop of New York -- who was in Buffalo on Aug. 10 to install Bishop Richard J. Malone as new head of the Diocese of Buffalo.
Dolan will offer the benediction to close out the proceedings on Thursday night, immediately after Mitt Romney delivers his acceptance speech. The cardinal's appearance is sure to spark discussion about his participation in the convention, but it appears he simply accepted an invitation.
"He was asked; he accepted," is how Anthony J. Casale, chief of staff to New York GOP Chairman Edward F. Cox, explained the situation to New York reporters.
--Robert J. McCarthy
