I can't tell you how excited I am to be a participant in the 2008 Republican National Convention. This is truly an honor and I am ready to work during this absolutely crucial week for Republicans. And thanks to KSTP for allowing me to share my experiences through a blog!

The past two days have been full of anticipation and adrenalin waiting and wondering about Senator McCain's pick for a running mate. I've had a bunch of calls from friends, family and folks in my district expressing their thoughts on Governor Palin. Everyone seems amazed and at the same time energized by the Senator's decision.

Personally, I am a huge supporter of Governor Pawlenty and I was initially disappointed he wasn't on the ticket. But I have to say that Sarah Palin is an outstanding choice. I have always believed we need a governor as a running mate—someone who has the breadth of a chief executive. We need someone removed from the Washington and what I have seen from Governor Palin makes me believe she is authentic and won’t forget who she works for. And she’s no slouch on the issues (she's made major impacts on Alaska's budget, energy, ethics practices) which sets the tone for what we can expect from her in the White House. I'm planning to get to know more about her over the next couple days by talking with delegates from other states and I'd love to get your perspective too.

I have had some people ask me what it means to me to have a woman on the ticket. Frankly, the gender issue should hardly be the deciding factor, but since she is only the second woman to be nominated as vice president I am happy Sarah Palin is the one leading the way. A family of seven, a child with special needs, a community volunteer, a successful career as a public servant, a governor with an 80% approval rating, a presidential running mate. Need I say more? I’m looking forward to the day that a woman on a national ticket is the norm rather than the exception.

I had a chance to briefly connect with my roommates for the week. Arles Kumpula from the Seventh Congressional District and Christine Jacobson from the Fourth. Chris has attended a convention in the past and has offered some great advice about transit and dress. As Republican women, I'll ask for their perspective on Sarah Palin as well.

Work has been hectic while preparing to leave for the week. I have watched downtown Minneapolis pop with activity. I hope our businesses do as well as everyone talks about. The city sure looks great! The last thing I did before I left my job yesterday was to find a limo to pick up an executive coming in for non-convention business on Wednesday. Did you know there are no limos available—at all!? We figured it out by calling a private corporate assistant company but panic on a Friday is not a good way to start a vacation! As an aside to all the political conversations we will be having starting tomorrow, I am really looking forward to being on the inside of such a logistically huge production. I manage the special events for my company but our biggest affair only hosts 800 guests--miniscule to coordinating the Convention. It will be a great professional experience!

Today I am busy running errands to pick up last minute things I need for the week in Saint Paul and in between putting up lawn signs. (The back of my car is full of rebar and Paulsen, Coleman, Jeff Johnson and Kurt Zellers signs—give me a shout if you need one up in Maple Grove!). My husband is volunteering at Civic Fest, which he says is an event not to miss. Did you know you can take the Presidential Oath of Office there? I have to remember to bring my camera the day I go. Today’s sliver issue (definition: those relatively non-important but bothersome until I deal with it issue) is figuring out how to look professional from 7:30 a.m. to midnight without changing clothes and wearing heels. I better call Chris again.

Katie Nadeau
Secretary—Senate District 32 Republicans
Minnesota Delegate, Republican National Convention

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