Medford Transcript - Medford,MA,USA
Medford resident Mark Crowley attended the Republican National Convention, representing the Massachusetts 7th Congressional District. He was among 40 delegates from across the state that travelled to St. Paul, Minn. from Sept. 1 to 4.
“For a fan of politics, a national convention is like the Oscars or the Olympics,” said Crowley. “From politicians to the media to the everyday citizen, everyone was excited to gather for this historic event.”
Delegates to the convention were elected by local registered members of the party. Republicans from the 7th Congressional District, spanning neighboring cities including Medford, Melrose, Arlington and Winchester, gathered at Medford City Hall this past April. Any interested individual in attendance could run and simply needed to make a three-minute speech on why they should be elected.
“At first I had no intention to run, but the night before the election my wife encouraged me,” said Crowley.
Much to his surprise, among the eight names in nomination, Crowley received the most votes from the nearly 100 Republicans in attendance. Also elected was a fellow Medford resident, Sarah Garland.
However, the 2008 RNC almost became the convention that never was, as Hurricane Gustav threatened New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. Republican officials were concerned that holding a festive and partisan event would not be appropriate in light of the potential crisis facing their fellow citizens. Fortunately, the storm’s impact was much less severe than had been predicted.
“The first day was a shortened session,” said Crowley. “We were honored to have First Lady Laura Bush and Cindy McCain speak, as they offered their prayers for the Gulf Coast and urged everyone to help in anyway they could”.
Delegates raised $1.2 million for the Red Cross that first day and assembled care packages for those displaced by the storm.
“It really felt good to help those in need. At times of crisis, politics need to be set aside and we all need to come together at Americans,” said Crowley.
The subsequent days of the convention normalized and as prominent speakers from the GOP, including former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, energized the delegates as they nominated John McCain for president and Sarah Palin for vice president.
“It’s incredible how much goes on behind the scenes,” said Crowley, who blogged each day about his experiences. “What you see on TV is quite choreographed, but the real action is on the floor and off camera. Delegates meet with those from all around the country to discuss issues.”
“It’s great to meet famous politicians in person, and to be interviewed by reporters,” added Crowley. “My friends kept calling me to say they saw me on CNN and the Daily Show.”
Interested in politics since attending high school in Melrose, Crowley has been active in the Republican Party for many years. He acknowledges that being a Republican in Massachusetts is a challenge, but also an opportunity. However, he has been working hard to raise the profile of the party and increase membership in the Medford Republican City Committee.
“Massachusetts has a reputation as the bluest of the Blue states, but over half of the registered voters in the state do not affiliate themselves with any party. I think people are willing to listen to good ideas from all candidates.”
Medford resident Mark Crowley attended the Republican National Convention, representing the Massachusetts 7th Congressional District. He was among 40 delegates from across the state that travelled to St. Paul, Minn. from Sept. 1 to 4.
“For a fan of politics, a national convention is like the Oscars or the Olympics,” said Crowley. “From politicians to the media to the everyday citizen, everyone was excited to gather for this historic event.”
Delegates to the convention were elected by local registered members of the party. Republicans from the 7th Congressional District, spanning neighboring cities including Medford, Melrose, Arlington and Winchester, gathered at Medford City Hall this past April. Any interested individual in attendance could run and simply needed to make a three-minute speech on why they should be elected.
“At first I had no intention to run, but the night before the election my wife encouraged me,” said Crowley.
Much to his surprise, among the eight names in nomination, Crowley received the most votes from the nearly 100 Republicans in attendance. Also elected was a fellow Medford resident, Sarah Garland.
However, the 2008 RNC almost became the convention that never was, as Hurricane Gustav threatened New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. Republican officials were concerned that holding a festive and partisan event would not be appropriate in light of the potential crisis facing their fellow citizens. Fortunately, the storm’s impact was much less severe than had been predicted.
“The first day was a shortened session,” said Crowley. “We were honored to have First Lady Laura Bush and Cindy McCain speak, as they offered their prayers for the Gulf Coast and urged everyone to help in anyway they could”.
Delegates raised $1.2 million for the Red Cross that first day and assembled care packages for those displaced by the storm.
“It really felt good to help those in need. At times of crisis, politics need to be set aside and we all need to come together at Americans,” said Crowley.
The subsequent days of the convention normalized and as prominent speakers from the GOP, including former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, energized the delegates as they nominated John McCain for president and Sarah Palin for vice president.
“It’s incredible how much goes on behind the scenes,” said Crowley, who blogged each day about his experiences. “What you see on TV is quite choreographed, but the real action is on the floor and off camera. Delegates meet with those from all around the country to discuss issues.”
“It’s great to meet famous politicians in person, and to be interviewed by reporters,” added Crowley. “My friends kept calling me to say they saw me on CNN and the Daily Show.”
Interested in politics since attending high school in Melrose, Crowley has been active in the Republican Party for many years. He acknowledges that being a Republican in Massachusetts is a challenge, but also an opportunity. However, he has been working hard to raise the profile of the party and increase membership in the Medford Republican City Committee.
“Massachusetts has a reputation as the bluest of the Blue states, but over half of the registered voters in the state do not affiliate themselves with any party. I think people are willing to listen to good ideas from all candidates.”
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