By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
It has taken years, thousands of hours of work, and millions of campaign dollars, but the Republican Party has finally offered former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney their nomination for President of the United States.
It has been apparent to everyone, but the most hardened Ron Paul supporters, that Romney would be the nominee since former Senator Rick Santorum suspended his Presidential campaign just before his home state’s Republican Primary, but it is not official until the Republican Party Convention delegates vote.
On Tuesday they made it official and the Alabama delegation was there on the floor backing Romney to be their party’s standard bearer. Romney State Party Chairman and AL Delegation Chairman Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey cast 50 Romney votes for Alabama during the roll call at the Republican National Convention. While Sen. Rick Santorum won the most Alabama delegates and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich came in second in the Alabama Republican Primary, both men released their delegates before the convention. Ron Paul did not release his delegates, but he won none in Alabama, thus all the Alabama delegation chose to vote for Mitt Romney.
Alabama’s Republican leaders have taken to Facebook and Twitter to express their satisfaction with the convention and the direction of the Republican party.
Alabama State Senator Cam Ward said, “Lt. Kay Ivey kicked off the nomination for President by announcing Alabama would cast 50 votes for Mitt Romney. I have watched this process for years but it was a real honor to be up close and so involved in it this time.”
Perry Hooper Jr. said, “I thought Governor Christie gave a great keynote speech at the Republican Convention tonight. His best line was,”Mr. President, real leaders don’t follow polls, real leaders change polls”.”
Alabama Senator Jabo Waggoner agreed, “Great speech by Governor Christie this evening. Gov. Christie makes great points and he is right…Republican leaders don’t follow polls, we change them. On to November!”
State Representative Paul DeMarco said, “After hearing Governor Christie tonight, now I know why New Jersey inspires so many reality shows.- Entertaining – He hit a home run.”
Alabama Republican Convention delegate Jackie Curtiss, said, “So excited to hear Governor Chris Christie. Not sure there is anyone in politics more entertaining than this great man!!”
Former Alabama Democratic Congressman Artur Davis addressed the Republican Convention and denounced the policies and direction that President Barack Obama has taken the nation. The former Democratic Party candidate for Governor of Alabama said, “This is no dark hour; this is the dawn before we remember who we are. May it be said of this time in our history: 2008 to 2011: lesson learned. 2012: mistake corrected.”
Republican Party Chairman Reince Preibus said on Twitter: “Welcome to the GOP Artur Davis. Great message to Democrats and independents who voted for Obama, but are wanting real leadership.”
