By JANET MCGREGOR
jmac_snippets@hotmail.com

Fayette County Republicans gave a rousing thumbs up to the overall experience of the 2000 Republican Convention in Philadelphia last week.

“Super convention,” “beautifully done,” “really exciting,” were among the superlatives used by those who attended.

Jean Studdard, one of the two delegates from Fayette County, said, “We were treated like kings and queens by everyone, from cab drivers to bus drivers, the hotel people — everyone was wonderful.”

Despite a few glitches involving lost luggage, late flights and canceled flights, everyone seemed to be buoyed by the convention and excited about the future of the Republican Party. A number of the Fayette Republicans had attended one or more previous conventions and rated the Philadelphia convention as the best yet. “The energy level among the delegation was much higher in Philadelphia than in San Diego,” said delegate Kathy Chamberlin.

Three delegates were chosen to represent Georgia's 3rd District, which includes Fayette and nine other counties. Two of the three delegates hailed from Fayette County, a rare occurrence. Each presidential election year a large number of individuals vie for the coveted slots. They campaign throughout the district for the honor similarly to the way candidates seek elected office. They are chosen at the District Convention by a vote of all district delegates. Those chosen typically pay their own way, which can be an expensive proposition depending upon where the National Convention is conducted.

“I feel extremely honored to have been chosen by the people of the 3rd District, not once, but twice, to represent them at the National Convention,” said Chamberlin. “I wish I could reach out and touch each person to say, `Thank you for giving me this opportunity.'”

Chamberlin was chosen as an alternate delegate in 1996 for the San Diego Convention.

Along with Jean Studdard and Kathy Chamberlin, Lyn Murphy, Chasity Mundy, Allison Chambers, Lane Watts, Marilyn Watts and Margaret Vail represented Fayette County at the convention.

For all, the convention was a whirlwind of activity. From shopping, to sight-seeing to hobnobbing with stars in the musical, political, media and movie world, all had tales to tell. Margaret Vail attended a luncheon with Laura Bush, Vail and Studdard had their pictures made with Bob Dole and Lane Watts spent some time with Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf and sat just a few seats back from Dick and Ann Cheney one evening.

Lyn Murphy walked in to register at the hotel and encountered Elizabeth Dole. She left Dole, moved to the elevators just in time to see George W. Bush and his entourage come off the elevator she was standing in front of. Others talked of encountering or talking with Chris Matthews, Peggy Noonan, George Stephanopolous, Sean Hannity, Bo Derrick, Rick Schroeder, Ed Bradley, Tim Russert and Ben Stein from Comedy Central.

Marilyn Watts was particularly impressed with George Bush's speech, saying he had sharpened his message. Of the convention she said, “It was a lot of fun. Nearly all of us were able to get on the floor, which was real exciting.”

She continued, “The city was really prepared and the convention was well put together.”

Chamberlin also was impressed with Bush's speech, “If people were not excited before hearing his speech, they certainly had to be when he finished.”

George P. Bush, Jeb Bush's son, also was a hot topic of conversation among the ladies in the group. Bo Derrick was mentioned, but didn't quite merit the same level of enthusiasm.

Amidst the fun, much work was also done, mostly behind the scenes away from the television cameras and public. The Georgia delegation and officials worked hard to bring everyone together behind one candidate for the late Sen. Paul Coverdell's seat. Chuck Clay worked furiously, contacting members, trying to bring the various factions who supported different candidate choices together.

Mack Mattingly and Lewis Jordan talked with delegates and sought their support. In keeping with the mood set by George Bush and the national party, the party worked together and ultimately solidified to support Mack Mattingly.

Lane Watts summed up the atmosphere at the Convention, “It was the most united I've ever seen the party. I feel good about our chances of winning in November.”