CLEARWATER BEACH, Fla. -- New York Republicans spent their breakfast this morning raving about the speeches given the night before by vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan and former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice.
"Paul Ryan was great," said Orleans County Republican Chairman Ed Morgan. "He's young, he's energetic...I think he resonates with the working people."
Emilio Colaiacovo, a delegate from Buffalo, agreed.
"I think Ryan did an incredible job," Colaiacovo said. "He delivered a message that is going to permeate."
Delegates said they were unfamiliar with all the criticism Ryan was receiving for misleading statements in the speech. Instead, they said they were glad to see the Wisconsin congressman take on the traditional role of attack dog, going after President Obama and his policies.
At the same time, though, they were equally thrilled with Rice's speech.
"That was easily one of the most powerful speeches," said Chautauqua County Executive Greg Edwards. "It was so fact-based," said Edwards, who said he felt chills up and down his spine as Rice described her upbringing in the segregated south and her rise to President George W. Bush's cabinet.
Meanwhile, Wendy Centinello of Lancaster said she "absolutely loved" Rice's speech, as well as that of New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez.
And her husband, delegate Daniel R. Centinello, said Rice's speech could have political implications far beyond the convention.
"I think she's got a future if she wants it," he said of Rice.
-- Jerry Zremski
