I'm sensing a pattern here in Tampa.

In the beginning of this process, I was under the impression that the actual convention and the forum was the place in which all significant encounters would take place. I was proven wrong today. We walked into the delegation hotel this morning and we were surrounded by the most influential people in Georgia politics. Dr. Swint immediately introduced us to Attorney General Sam Olens, who will be speaking to the convention on Wednesday night. In keeping with the theme of helpfulness that I introduced last night, he instantly offered to help us out with seeking extra credentials so we could gain access to the convention. Attorney General Olens is definitely a class act. After we spoke with him for a few minutes, we noticed that Senator Saxby Chambliss was just a few feet away. As with any nationally recognized politician, we took the opportunity to grab a picture and talk with him for a few minutes. After learning where we were from and our purpose there, it was clear that he was grateful for our presence and showed enthusiasm for the youthful movement that we represent in Tampa this week. 

Unfortunately, when the delegation buses left the hotel, a number of us were left without credentials for Tuesday’s session at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Left with only a number of options as to what we could do apart from our research, Chase and I registered for and attended the Politico Nightly Lounge just a few blocks from the convention. The conversation and atmosphere was quintessentially that of the true delegation experience. In our encounters, we met a consultant who owns her own firm near D.C. As it turns out she (I will refrain from revealing her name for anonymity purposes) has known Rick Santorum for around 20 years and has a relationship with Paul Ryan like that of her “little brother”. With no obligation to carry on a conversation with us, she willingly gave us advice on how to pursue careers in professional politics and how to get involved.

All in all, it is obvious that the Republican base is passionate about the movement that is being represented here this week and no matter where we go, we are sure to encounter people who are not only influential but also supportive and eager to help us in any way they can.