The borough’s top Republicans last week expressed confidence that Arizona Sen. John McCain and his vice-presidential running mate, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, are poised to win the White House in November.
Among the Kings County Republican Party delegation at the convention in the twin cities of Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota were GOP Chair Craig Eaton, former Chair Hy Singer, Executive Committee Chair Bob Howe, Treasurer Thomas McCarthy, Alternate Delegate Diane Rudiano and District Leader Frank Voyticky.
“These next four years will be difficult ones for America. We can’t risk the chance of someone like Barack Obama who has so little actual experience,” said Eaton.
“Presidents shouldn’t be elected because they are pop stars. John McCain is a proven leader. He won’t flinch, and he won’t stop, and he won’t settle for the usual Washington doubletalk. He’ll get things done,” he added.
Eaton, reached via telephone while he was at the convention, said the borough’s delegation was having a wonderful time despite the delay of festivities due to Hurricane Gustav.
Eaton said the GOP Brooklyn delegation has had several breakfast meetings including one with Edward Cox, the 58-year-old son-in-law of former President Richard Nixon, who is reportedly considering running for the Senate in New York.
Eaten expressed some surprise that McCain picked Palin as his running mate, but in hindsight realizes it was a strategy that threw off the Democrats.
“I think she seems to be a great candidate. She’s young and energetic and fought the Republican establishment to become governor,” said Eaton.
Eaton said that besides the fact that Palin eats moose, she has a lot in common with many working Brooklyn families struggling with rising health care and fuel costs.
As for Palin’s lack of political experience, Eaton said McCain is in perfect health and that Democrats’ focus on her lack of experience is designed to cover for Obama’s lack of experience.
There is no doubt that this party will unite behind McCain and Palin, said Eaton.
State Sen. Marty Golden did not attend the convention, but his spokesperson, John Quaglione, said the senator was there in spirit.
“Senator Golden is confident that the Republican National Committee will host a very successful convention, that will set Senator McCain on the right track to victory in November,” said Quaglione.
“The convention has and will feature some of the best and brightest Republican leaders from across this nation, those communicating the message that America wants to hear,” he added.
Golden also called Palin a smart pick as McCain’s vice-presidential running mate.
“Senator McCain made an excellent choice in the selection of Governor Sarah Palin, a mother of five and popular governor of Alaska, to be his vice-presidential running mate,” said Golden.
“Governor Palin’s selection adds a lot to the McCain presidential campaign, bringing to the ticket someone that is qualified, right on the issues important to America, and who understands American government from an outside Washington perspective,” he added.
Golden said Palin has the conservative principles that will make her an outstanding Vice President, and she is a woman who will set an example for all young women, that there are no limits to what you can be.
“Governor Palin has a record of effective leadership in Alaska, understanding the issues that matter to all Americans, such as meeting our energy needs and reducing foreign dependence on oil, supporting tax cuts for families and small businesses, cutting wasteful spending and promoting family values,” said Golden.
“I am encouraged by the McCain-Palin ticket and look forward to campaigning to see that this team will win in November. This is the ticket America needs at this time,” he added.